Spirit Origin, what's that? My interest was once again being ignited, and I read more of the contents on the pages. "The Spirit origin is tied to the physical organ that allows humans to store and manipulate raishi. It's also responsible for enabling humans to enhance themselves physically with rai."
Right, rai. I'm pretty sure that's what Danuja used to take the brunt of my strike. He used rai to raise his own durability enabling him to endure the strike and counter attack. I wasn't expecting that so he was able to quickly win after the fact. It's not a guarantee that I would have won but I definitely would have lasted longer if it weren't for that.
I would have used rai as well if I was proficient with it. I have practiced on and off. But no major breakthrough. I guess that's the difference between me who was raised in humble beginnings and someone brought up as a noble. They get access to a vast amount of resources from a young age, becoming as powerful and resourceful as possible..
I continued to read the book. "Through meditation and repetitive training and strain of the organ one can strengthen their raishi and rai. Or rather slightly improving their reserves." I see, actually one of them told me something similar. When I was traveling with that group for that short period of time aside from training sessions. They would give me tips on things such as rai.
There was even a period of time where one of them kept me on my toes attacking me at random points of the day to raise my awareness. Ha, despite all of my grievances, I did learn a thing or two while traveling with them.
I decided to read more or the book to gain more insight into how I should better use rai. But aside from meditating along with other non noteworthy sentences it doesn't mention much. I planned to read more into it but someone interrupted me.
I heard a knock on my desk and looked up. The girl from before was there. She was carrying some books in one hand. Her other hand was balled into a light fist hovering above the other opposite edge of my desk.
I was startled at her appearance though not in a bad way. More so than that I was curious about what she wanted. I closed my book and straightened my posture, with a question on the tip of my tongue until I looked around.
It was darker than before. The lights of the library have now been turned on. I also notice many people leaving the library. Wow, I was here for that long? It's closing now. I looked back at the girl and assumed she wanted to tell me its closing time, I smiled and thanked her.
"Thank you, I was so absorbed in reading that I lost track of time."
She paused, then nodded and walked out of the library.
I leaned back into my chair, and yawned. Man, crazy how time flies. Standing up I walked over to the library's receptionist to check out my books before it closed. Through a short process I gained a library document that allows me to borrow books.
After doing that I left. Walking straight to my dorm. I entered and it seemed like Sakase had not returned yet. Not a problem at all. I placed the book on the counter and grabbed the two remaining cream cheese croissants I had. Warming them I ate while reading.
Once I was finished with that. I prepared for the night. Finally coming to a point where I must make a decision. Do I or do I not cover my mirror tonight? It's not a Deltara night. So it should be fine. No, it will be fine. I've gone many nights without doing so.
I decided against it. Despite Sakase's advice, based on my personal experience and those I've known. We've always woken up the next day after night. Some don't even bother to cover their mirrors on Deltara's. And still wake up fine the next day. Deciding against it I got straight into bed. Tomorrow is going to be another long day.
…
I stood in front of a moderate sized door. At least when compared to some of the other grand doors within Prism. Now, although it's early, I decided to drop by the disciplinary committee's room and check on the progress of my request.
Seeing as Hernando directly asked me to return the next day, it's pretty likely that he has good news for me. I knocked lightly on the door, hoping that someone was inside.
Thankfully a voice called out allowing entrance. I twisted the knob opening the door. The bright morning light illuminated the room. Hernando was sitting in the same seat as yesterday, the maid standing not too far off. I looked around but saw no one else. I thought that maybe Danuja, or sir Sinoda would be here but I guess not.
"Good morning Brian."
Hernando greeted me with a smile. On the table in front of him lay a stack of papers. Hernando seemed to be filling out paper work for the committee. I guess he wasn't joking about tasks being pushed unto him.
"Good morning Hernando."
I returned the morning greeting wanting to get straight to the point.
"I know it's early but, I've come to check if you have received the recommendation from your acquaintance."
He paused a humored smile on his face.
"Wow, well aren't you eager. You're right it is early but lucky you I got it yesterday. We'll go to the place later. You should stop by once again when your classes are over. I'll take you and Danuja over there then."
"I see, that was quick. Wait Danuja is coming as well?"
I felt confusion cloud my face as I asked. Hernando looked back up from a document and answered.
"Well, don't any respectable swordsmen need a smith to maintain their sword? Normally it would be left to his family's smiths but, it seems he wants to be more self reliant. So he asked me to introduce him to this artisan as well."
Indeed that does make sense. I think I might have a better idea about Danuja's situation with his sister. Or maybe even his whole family, the house of Takezo.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then."
Hernando with his head now focused on the paper work waved. I exited the room leaving Hernando to finish his work. I had already done a morning jog and changed into school clothes.
I had also more or less read the books I'd gotten from the library yesterday so I plan to return them. Maybe even check out some more books.
Luckily, the library seems to open in the early mornings. I walked into the library. And greeting the attendant at the desk. Then I returned my books. Before leaving I considered checking out more books.
I've got some basic knowledge from the books. And I've memorized the contents of the Astounding Spear techniques book, I'll practice those movements when I get the chance. I'll choose not to at least for now. It'd be best to focus on my studies and practice with my spear.
Soon classes started. I was back in Instructor Kaiser's room. Danuja was sitting to my left looking a bit haggard. I guess he was up training late again. While in Instructors Kaisers class I was a little more focused than usual. This being because he was going over a rather interesting topic today.
"-As for why some people can naturally construct magic while others can't. That is because it's an innate trait. According to statistics one in every ten people born can perform this feat. However thankfully this doesn't stop one from being able to use magic."
"After all, we have tools such as wands and staff. Tools like these can help the user to use and alter magic when they can't naturally do it. Some can boost the power of the user as well. You'd be surprised at the many varied uses and augmentions of tools like these."
"Now then listen not to get anyone's hopes up but, in the past there have been cases when people who couldn't create magic on their own later in life miraculously gained the ability to do so. There have been some claims of this as well as documented accounts."
"No one knows why and how this happens but-"
So I don't have the innate trait to construct magic? Was that what the test from yesterday was about? It was a formula with everything in place except the key element to activate it. Therefore it requires the user to create a certain phenomenon and an innate understanding to conjure the magic.
Although I don't fully understand it, this does make sense. It also somewhat explains how tools such as wands and staff can allow people who can't naturally do so perform magic. As it has that trait needed to construct magic. Though that doesn't mean not all people who use it can't use magic. Some boost the user's magic and provide other benefits.
But, let's say I was against someone, a mage who can't use magic on their own and I managed to separate them from their wand they'd be defenseless. Yea, this is quite useful information that wasn't in that magic book.
Though I do have one question: if one can obtain the ability to use magic later in life how is it done? Can one actively pursue it or is it left to lady luck?
If it's the former I wonder how one goes about obtaining the unique trait. Ah me and my endless curiosity. Actually something does feel off. Although this school Prism Academy claims to teach magic. It seems at least from what I've observed it seems rather reserved when sharing deep knowledge..
This information wasn't in that magic book neither did Professor Siar cover it in her first lecture. Though that could have been because it was the first day. She could cover the topic once I attend her class later.
Yet, I feel like this is something that would have gone hand in hand with what she was doing yesterday. Even the world map had a lot of obscure information.
Lost in thought I didn't hear the rest of Instructor Kaiser's class. I guess either things will continue like this or they will slowly introduce deeper topics. And eventually if one wants to continue in their pursuit of being a mage then they would need to join Prism as a facility member.
Like a Professor, Instructor, Researcher or whatever other roles they have here. Through that they can gain even more knowledge.
They keep the people with that level of knowledge close. Soon all of my classes passed. The only notable thing was that we finally got to use some magic in that course. Though simple it did teach me some skills.
I stopped by the cafeteria and grabbed a bite to eat then walked over to my dorm to gather my pole of ore and Tyro. After doing that I went over to the disciplinary committee room again. I knocked on the door and after receiving permission to enter.
This time Hernando was not sitting at the large table. Instead he was to my right sitting at a desk. And the maid as always was standing off to the side in the room
His shoes were kicked up on the desk and he looked rather relaxed. And even while inside his shades remained on his face. At first I thought Hernando was sleeping but once I entered the room and walked over he smiled.
"Ah welcome, welcome. I'm glad you're back. Are you finished with all of your classes?"
"Yes, I'm more or less free for the rest of the day so I'm ready to go visit that black smith."
"Perfect. Though I am surprised. You aren't a part of any clubs?"
"No, aren't those for rich kids anyway?"
"No, not really, I mean you could try to join those but I don't recommend it. There are other clubs you can join for people of our status. You should check them out. Anyway, let's go, we're going to meet someone and drive over to the location."
"Danuja right?"
"Not quite."
Hernando smiled.
"But we will meet up with him before going"
No problem then. Now that I know Danuja is coming I am curious as to what his weapon of choice is. Could it be the practice sword during our bout? It was long with a slight curve and a single edge.
He was quite adept in using it. So it has to be that or something similar. Exiting the room I followed Hernando through the now somewhat familiar halls of Prism. Then however we walked up stairs I've never crossed before, beholding a whole new labyrinth of halls. We walked all the way to a set of doors.
And without knocking Hernando entered. The room was bright. Many floor to ceiling windows stood side by side with the curtains wide open. In the center of the room opposite of the door was a desk. This desk looked bigger and a little more grand than the desk in the disciplinary committee room. No one sat in the chair behind it.
I looked around some more, taking in the sight. Then I noticed that there were some people in here as well. To my left from the door. There was a large sofa and two chairs at either side of a table. The first person to draw my attention was a woman. She sat in the middle of the sofa. Her warm russet skin shined in the bright room. The light looking as if it danced joicly around her.
Unlike before, I was closer now—and noticed details I hadn't before. Her eyes were a rich hazel, shifting between a mellow brown and a hint of red depending on the light. Her hair was styled differently this time, though it still ended in elegant twists at her shoulders.
She radiated a cold allure, like a statue sculpted from polished ebony. Though clearly older than me, she retained a striking youthfulness. Her presence was quietly magnetic—enchanting, even bewitching. An otherworldly beauty.
And yet, she was strangely forgettable. Whenever I thought back to the orientation, I found it hard to picture her face. Then again, I had been sitting far back. Miss Lilith had been seated comfortably between Sir Sinoda and Miss Akari.
Sir Sinoda, his attire hadn't changed much since the first time I saw him, save for the addition of a black vest. Both of his arms rested on the back of the sofa—one draped behind Miss Lilith, the other sprawled across the far end. His head leaned back as well, a white cloth covering his face. On the other side of Miss Lilith sat Miss Akari.
She wore a jade-green blouse—an unusual choice, especially by Prism's standards. Over it, a black dress with slender straps traced her shoulders with ease. Her legs were crossed, her movements graceful and elegant as she quietly sipped her tea. The same silver crane rested against her chest, catching the light with every shift.
Aware of our arrival Miss Lilith was the first to greet us. She smiled although it didn't quite seem to reach her eyes. A smile of sheer courtesy. Her clear and alluring voice rang out.
"Hernando, how nice of you to visit today."
She took a quick glance at me then back at Hernando.
"I see you've brought a guest as well. To what do we owe this visit?"
Sinoda still rested his head on the back of the sofa. And Miss Akari continued to silently drink her tea. After a pause a smile on Hernando's face as well, he responded to her question
"It's nice to see you too Lilith. It's been a while hasn't it. Hello Miss Akari, it's always a pleasure to be graced by your presence."
Miss Akari gave Hernando and me a curt nod. Then she took a bite of what looked to be a small cake.
"Anyway, my business is with Sinoda. I have another favor to ask of him."
Right after saying that, Sinoda moved. He stayed in the same resting position but he lifted one end of the cloth covering his eyes and looked at Hernando. It was as if he wasn't sleeping but simply resting with his eyes closed.
At least that would be a simple answer as to why he responded so quickly. He had a neutral expression on his face, almost deadpan then he spoke. Sir Sinoda, nor Miss Lilith spoke during the orientation so this was my first time hearing their voices.
His voice was deep and harmonious.
"What can I do for you, Hernando?"
He had a bit of an oppressive presence. It reminded me of Sir Kenny, from the orientation. But while he seemed like a presence that commanded respect. Sinoda felt more forceful and domineering. Hernando however, wasn't bothered by this in the slightest.
"Oh well since you ask, It's simple really. Just a tintsy little, tiny request."
He smiled, arms crossed.
"Let me borrow your carriage. That new one. We're about to head down to that place you recommended."
Sinoda took a quick glance at me then back at Hernando.
"I thought that was a strange request. So you did it for this kid? Aren't you strangely invested in him?"
"Not really, you see he and Danuja are a two for one package deal."
He looked at Miss Akari.
"Danuja agreed to join our disciplinary committee if Brian joined. So I'm very inclined to gain favor with Brian here. Oh excuse my manners, this is Brian Brigade by the way. He is a new student. That ug-, that guy there is Sinoda Grove, I'm sure you've seen him at the orientation. And these two lovely ladies are Lilith Grove and Akari Takezeo. Miss Akari is Danuja's elder sister."
"I see."
Sinoda let the cloth fall back over his eyes and went silent, as if ignoring Hernando's request. But he seemed patient. Then Sinoda stood up stretching as he did.
"Lilith, it seems I've got some business to attend to. I'll return later. It won't take too long."
Lilith was silent for a moment focusing on her cake. She then took a sip of tea and focused on Sinoda. After a moment she looked away and answered.
"Alright, don't take too long. I don't want to have to send a servant to fetch you."
Then although I wasn't too sure it seemed like the end of his lip curved up ever so slightly. Sir Sinoda doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would smile if at all.
"Follow me, we'll go together. I was planning to stop by there soon anyway. Now is as good a time as any,"
And just like that our group went from three to four even though Danuja wasn't physically here with us. Sinoda had both hands in his pockets as he walked. It seemed like he was simply taking a leisurely stroll. While crossing the halls of Prism I noticed more than a few gazes from women in particular being directed towards Sir Sinoda and even Hernando. The former paid them no mind but Hernando shined some smiles and waved towards some.
We made our way out of the academy and towards the dorms. But we passed even those and walked further and deeper into the campus. Soon we reached some large houses. Sinoda led us to one and we came upon a large door.
There was a servant at the door and as soon as they saw us or rather Sir Sinoda they opened it. I walked into the large house and it was what I'd expected from nobles to say the least. Furniture with fine furs here and there. Expensive looking woods and stones.
It was quite nice. There were even servants on the side standing at attention and waiting for instructions.
"Take a seat, the servants will prepare everything in a moment. I sent one of them to fetch Danuja as well. We'll be leaving after a while."
A moment later, some servants came forward with some prepared food. A tea pot was placed on a table along with a multiplayer tray with various treats on it. They gave each of us a small plate and cup, pouring tea in it after.
Then I saw Hernando grab a treat from the tray and take a bite of it. Sinoda had a cup of tea as well. He was swirling it just under his nose enjoying the aroma. Just like that we all waited in silence.