At the Round Tables of Knights, they're also negotiating about the new balance. They have power, that's true. They have an impact in the army, that's true. But they aren't an official Great Force in Niliphon, nor pleading their loyalty to the safety of the center continent, that's also true. The Cala Empire has been conferring at the start when The Holy Council was split, yet nothing's working out. And now the new balance must be built up as soon as possible, so the representative of Cala Royalty is currently on this table full of Holy Knights and their fellow subordinates.
In fact, there are many private forces in Niliphon that plead no loyalty to the continent's safety, but they aren't big enough to cause some troubles. However, The Round Tables of Knights is built differently. They help civilians in clearing dungeons, rifts and rescuing people in their terrain. They left The Holy Council doesn't mean they left their faith behind, more seriously, because of that different point of view, their statements are potentially lethal in the plan uniting people's faith.
For context, as I said before, The Holy Council was made to unite the faith toward the Holy Spirit. In order not to let the outer divine forces enter this world by spiritual gates attached to heresies, faith is important. And each continent has their own faith too, they are also carefree in freedom of religion. Also, because of the extremism in religion that Raigan intentionally made, Niliphon's faith-based organizations were in trouble of diplomacy to Arezal and Bakodan at least.
One and a half billion ACs was planned to solve the faith issue of The Nuns Council currently. Nonetheless, it's only in the ideal conditions. With the strife in benefits, the tier I and II forces are of course against this new organization. Moreover, the doubt in civilians about this Council after The Holy Council's fallen isn't that simple to solve.
To let that thing slide smoothly, The Nuns Council must have some backing. They indeed have The Tower of Mages, The Grand Merchant of Alchemists and The Hunters Council standing on their side, yet not over five years in total. To make the entire smaller group full of nuns and priests can truly hold a part of the supreme authority in Niliphon, The Nuns Council must have something more than that temporary support.
And nothing is better than a long-term contract with The Round Tables of Knights, who are currently winning the heart of the people. Southern lands of Niliphon, the junction points with Arezal and the entire ten routes connecting the south terrains and the north terrains, none of them lacking The Knights. Except the center zones, the rest is just enough to tell how much reputation they gained for their good deeds.
If you wonder how and where the money comes from. Let's be honest, there are many branches of old Clans spreading over Aegista, five continents total. The Round Tables of Knights is obviously where many people send their passion and belief into. In another point of view, investor-owned spreading businesses into Niliphon are indeed the reasons for the big Clans mobilizing their money. We have jewels and gems in the West Continent – Bakodan, Blazing Ores in the East Continent – Larrast,... So what do you think the rest four continents are aiming to take from Niliphon? You might not know what it is, but you'd probably estimate the value, wouldn't you?
As usual, there's no la-peace in Aegista political wars. In common sense, five continents, a bunch of contentions. Do you know why Niliphon is the richest one among those five continents? Trading-based economy, geographical location and the insane capacity of resources, were all the reasons for Niliphon being the strongest continent. Yet, since the rest four found their ways to get almost independent from trading via Niliphon, that absolute advantage has already been taken down for a while.
Reorganization issues, border issues, economy issues, diplomacy issues are just the four of the entire list of problems that the Cala Empire needs to take care about before reporting them in an official way to The New Four Great Forces. So, after all, do you get what the representatives of the Cala Empire need to do these days? And the even more troublesome issue is the cost. The Cala Empire came with two billion ACs and the offer to use their teleportation across the entire Niliphon for free. Other charged services are also discounted for half, free and first priority if emergency. And there's still another negotiation, showing you all the current manner of the Knights.
"You have to know that we're in trouble." – The representative speaks up.
Phoenix follows, "You have to know that we are now independent. We don't harm this continent, we obey the rules and pay taxes. What else are you even expecting?"
"Sir, but your different point of view in faith and religion prevents us from uniting the belief. The Nuns Council's evangelism is currently opposed because people start hating to believe in Holy Spiri–"
"Doesn't it mean the cage locking them starts collapsing? How long has the old Holy Council monopolized the faith of people? Isn't that enough?" – Snake kicks in.
"That isn't the issue, do you know why we need a united faith to deal with those things?" – The representative is still trying, yet gets denied later.
Shaking his head, Phoenix leaves the *Round Table. Meanwhile, the others just offer the representative and his team to leave.
*Round Table(s): mentioning the important events that require the Holy Knights to assemble for discussion.
*Sigh* – "It's a real headache." – In the hallway, after eight hours of extra afternoon to night shift, the young representative is now likely an undead already.
*Clap* – Sabotaging from behind, a light golden hair and handsome dude just be here for a greeting. It's so obvious that he's a member of the royal, golden pattern imperial suit and especially the unique crest of Terania Royal – a group of seven gems and lights carved into a thick large golden coin. Don't you dare proclaim knowledgeable if you don't recognize that crest?
"Yo, what a day huh?" – He laughs eternally into that one friend's dog's life as if he just hit the jackpot. That laugh works so well that rage baited the representative of The Cala Empire.
'Shut the f* up. A prince like you don't have anything else to do? Would you like to talk to these shitty two piles of documents?" – Actually that one bro who can yell everything inside out without the fear of superiors.
"Chill chill~ as I said, I'm here with eight hundred million ACs by myself. This is for the promise of us." – He flicks a ring toward Yuhan's palms.
"Alright, as a representative of the Cala Empire, allow me to plead my honest thanks toward the third prince of Terania Empire." – He gives a deep nod.
*Clap* – Still laughing, the third prince doesn't even care. He leaves, to the gates of the teleportation stone. He's addicted to fighting and practicing, not being tortured by the reports of fellow subordinates. So, to the Cala Academy, he will meet them there.
Whatever, the new arc has come already. Should we choose another main character for this one? How about indigo for his hair color? I feel like I've been throwing magic and spells aside for a while. He should be an immature mage for a better reason for the required knowledge. Azure… no, I'll let him be an experienced Ivory Class mage, one more step to Azure. It's been a while that high hypersonic is the lowest tier in the fights we observed. Now, allow me to introduce the true limits of humans nowadays in Aurorize to you all via an academic life. He'll be called Talia, Talia Vela, the last generation of fallen noble Vela family.
His background is nothing else to become worse as a noble. His entire family was destroyed years ago in a Semi-Calamity Rift, which Rudolf joined for the first time in his portfolio. Consequently, the entire inheritance was given to him as the last survivor of the entire family. However, he was too young for staying alive with that patrimony, so the maternal family accepted him as one of their members.
Yet, in order not to let the Vela Clan be forgotten, his grandfather allowed him to keep that last name. Also, the Cala Empire's laws don't accept Talia as a true member, they need legal documents, not their bonds. That's why Talia signed into a Wardship Agreement, he'll be eligible to be treated as a true member of Gradias Clan yet not eligible to inherit anything from the maternal family except being mentioned in a legal testament. As such, his maternal family will protect his rights as a noble until he's ready to split out.
Fifteen years old, admitted into the Cala Academy as a noble, almost reaching the Azure Class himself in two years before, that's all his portfolio. And today is the enrollment day, when the entire twenty thousand newbies have to come and witness their goal in dream – Cala Academy.
This place is huge. Are they magical items? Even the floating buildings! He glanced around to make sure that people don't lie to him.
"So this is one of the best places for mages?" – A smile, he's finally here.
As usual, the opening ceremony took everyone an hour. Standing upon the highest platform is the new principle of the entire academy, who was just able to sit on that chair of authority two days ago.
"So that's it for today guys, freshmen, don't let us down on your performance." – She puts her two hands together, one is on the other, both face upward. Spreading under her hands, a multiple of magic circles swiftly dye that entire zone into cyan.
The flowers are blooming, the feathers of peacocks are floating in the air. One, two then three and more, around the thousands petals of lisianthus. They shine among lights and mana particles, this is the wish for success from this principal to all the students of this academy.
"I hope when you graduate this academy as mages, you're ready for this level of spells."
Firework made by their claps, the entire auditorium is painted with energy and adrenaline. For context, to get into this academy, it's already proved that you're curious about spells, yet more likely addicted. Who will not be that hyped when witnessing a high level spell performed by a Sage? It's just a valid excitement.
*Beep* – Scanning the Student ID card, the staff requires the medal proving the identity of a noble. It's just a normal process to double both the identity of one being and the listed rank in the data system of the Cala Academy.
"90387, this is your verification code. And your room number will be I-207, the I Building is on the straight left, the third one." – This is a private room for one student only per use and it's absolutely an automatic system with article intelligence assistance. This is the difference of quality of life in the capital of the Cala Empire compared to other places.
"Let's see, let's see." – Flicking his own ID card, Talia checks the schedule of today.
Oh, thirty-five more minutes to the magic combat course. Perhaps he'll try a creamy soft drink shake before that. Also, his class is named MAGC 220H-PRAC I, the full name is Honored Magical Combat I. The entry level is for advanced sophomores, that's why the number's two hundred and twenty.
"Would you like to have a matcha one or cheese one, they are the newest ones?" – She has long yellow hair to her back, a fine face with slight pink cheeks. That white outfit is totally a good choice to show her energetic side. And that is a virtual character on the screen of the machine. No real girl for you guys.
"Can I have an original?"
"Yes of course. What would you like to use as a base?" – The voice fits so well, which means the old issue two years ago has been solved. Talia loves this quality of life.
"Can I have the blueberry soft drink? 32oz, extra less ice and extra sweet up to 120%. Do you have crystal jelly and black jelly?"
"Sorry, we only have crystal jelly left right now."
"No problem, give me extra crystal jelly twice." – Talia takes out his ID card, it's also integrated with the mechanic to pay checks.
*Beep* – "Please sign."
*Pop – Ssss…* – Talia found a tree with big shade, took a seat, then started drinking the mix. To be honest, this one isn't the best option he could choose, but the strawberry one was out of stock when he arrived. So whatever, he likes sweets and it's sweet, that's good enough. For the first taste, you would imagine it's like a sudden explosion of sweetness with the numb sensation of the gas within liquid. Because of the cream, you'd also feel the creaminess intertwined with the sour taste of blueberries. The ice cubes also wipe a part of the sweetness that's quite too much, yet he's Talia, he likes his drink always this sweet, fair enough.
*Pok pok* – Talia is still drinking.
*Pok pok* – Talia feels like he's being poked at his back.
*Pok pok* – He turns back, "What's wrong?"
"Can I try your drink?" – She's uhm… a lol– I mean a kid who looks like thirteen. She has slime green hair with pigtails and they're slightly curly to the end.
"No." – That's quick for a denial.
"Please."
"No, I can give you some points to buy it on your own." – Taila keeps drinking.
"Nah, nothing's better than freeloads on meals and drinks." – She leaves immediately.
…Cool. He's still drinking.
"That's the weirdest conversation I've ever heard, Taly." – Flashy, shiny and wealthy are three adjectives that I can use to describe this guy. That yellow and red hair, those heavy jewels, bracelets and rings, the necklace is all gold and a unique ruby, none of his body is lacking of money scent.
"Sup, I thought that your business course started already? Aren't you fleeing?" – Doubting his friend, Talia shows no trust
"Nah, haven't you heard about the lost brother of mine who just got back to the clan?" – Kelios asks a question, yet the answer is also attached.
"I see, passing all the work and pressure onto your brother for your own freedom, that's diabolically a wise choice." – The drink is half left.
"That's why I enrolled into the same magical combat practice class as yours." – Pointing into himself, Kelios looks pretty proud of himself.
"Wait, did they really accept your enrollment?" – If he's not wrong, the last time Talia checked, there were three guys on the waitlist.
"Not a big deal, they are all commoners, I gave them a fund for 30 class units each."
"Well, money talks."
Taking a look at his clock, "It seems like we have to go, half past nine already."
Talia walks to the machine again for the same drink, "A second."
*Beep* – "Alright, let's go."
"Oh, forgot to ask, which kind of staff are you using?" – Talia wonders how much his friend has paid for the equipment.
"Well, not that expensive as you thought. Just five million ACs." – Flicking his jewels, Kelios flexes his money obviously.
"Five million? Did you put jewels into it?" – Talia just tries to confirm if he just misheard.
Waving his hands, "Nah, thirteen kilograms of Black Metal, which I bought with thirty-five thousand ACs per each. Necrium, total 4 kilograms for 800 grams of the refined one, about one million, two hundred and eighty thousand ACs total."
He's walking while calculating, "I need level two holy water to purify necrium, which I got for free. Yet to attach the level two holy protection, I needed to pay 800 thousand ACs for the priests."
"Uh… what else? Ah yes, around two and a half millions ACs more for the new advanced technology machining. Five million ACs total." – He even looks back to Talia as if that's nothing but money for two bobas.
"Like dude, can you not look at me with that la-peace manner? My network doesn't even reach half a million ACs per year." – Talia feels like he's ragebaited.
"Oh come on, this is the power of money. You can ask your grandfather for better equipment too."
"Nope, if I relied on him on everything, I wouldn't be able to split out anymore." – Talia shares his honest thoughts, growing up as a child with nothing left to lose until his grandfather came into his life. The moment he held that hand, he knew that he had to keep himself clearly on the other side of that family via a border. His final destination isn't that family, as the last Vela successor, he needs to rebuild the clan again.
*Clap clap* – Professor speaks up, "Alright guys, I know that this is the first day and you all might feel excited about our honor class. This is the magical combat practice course, where you will need to fight for your grades literally. And I'm Professor Jack Bardiac, currently the Umbral Mage. I know and recognize all of your efforts to be here in time, except these two guys."
Alright, now we can see those who are standing right there, at the corner of the room. The first guy is Talia with an indigo hair, right next to him, Kelios is flexing his money no matter what. Yes, these dudes really checked the correct course yet wrong professor, that's why they're all late.
Your fault. Talia whispers.
No. Your fault. Kelios replies.
*Bong* – Each head right now has a wound, "It's all two of your faults."
After delivering the kindest gift toward the late ones, the professor requires them to show their skills. Of course, this is the combat practice class, so combat is the most common thing here.
"Just don't make a corpse right here, do whatever you want. If there's any permanent damage, you two have to pay for the bills." – Clapping his hands, he demands they both get into positions. And of course, the damage he mentioned was about the field, not the humans.
"Are we serious?" – Kelios drags Talia toward the field. It's not that big, but still enough for two mages at this level to start a duel.
"Alright, Talia, introduce yourself." – Jack requires.
"Talia Vela, the last successor of the fallen Vela clan. Currently an official Ivory Class mage."
Doesn't need him to ask, Kelios instantly flexes his money, "Yo yo yo, I'm Kelios val Duclarias. I have money and good equipment, that's it."
*Clap* – When the professor claps his hands, the announcement has been sent. As a mage of Arithmancy, Talia always works with numbers and functions to calculate the details of his ideal magics. On the contrary, Kelios prefers a freestyle in combat. He doesn't mind switching between spells and close mana-enhancement fights.
Working with me, you all should be able to determine which advantages each side has. For Kelios, he obviously has more winning conditions if he can approach Talia before the spells can launch themselves. For Talia, he has Zone technique to draw both domain and range for his spells, with the brain of two hundred and twenty calculations per second, the spell trajectories would be so evil to predict.
*Vsh* – Whoever takes the first advantage is more likely to win, obeying that rule, Kelios enters the fight with his sub-sonic speed of fifty kilometers per hour. To solve the issue that Kelios is approaching too fast, Talia switches to a line Zone to shorten the manifesting process. He instantly launches three fire balls toward the opponent.
Of course, Kelios won't be hit that easily. He dodges aside while splitting one fire ball with a slash. Following the rotation, he continues it until the blade is boosted with the velocity of the maximum speed of the low D tier, exactly ninety-nine kilometers per hour.
Talia won't try to parry or block, his physical stats are lower than Kelios's, also the equipment quality gap is also an issue. Instead, he blows a massive wind toward that strike, blowing him backward while setting a circle variant.
In a Zone made by the spiritual power of mages, they can manipulate or interact with their spells at will. That's why Talia sets a circle Zone in front of those two flying fire balls. Manipulating them to make an arrow of flame, he boosts it with the winds by rotating them – reducing the air resistance. That works quite well, it would take Kelios the left arm if he tried to approach even closer.
*Boom* – Dancing in the smoke and sparks of flame, Kelios abuses it for a veil hiding his own movement. Yet, Talia also predicts that move, he activates the level three fire spell – Fire Zone. By controlling those sparks of flame, the entire zone of two meters radius around Kelios is covered in flames. Talia switches the zone back to the line variant, shooting three more fire balls toward his opponent.
*Zrrt* – Enhancing the staff with lightning spells, Kelios abuses his better weapon by switching it into the spear form. Level one thunder spell – Thunder Strike, allowing him to bind thunder into the blade. Level two thunder spell – Thunder Spear, allowing him to shoot the lightning bolt outside with insane speed. Kelios bursts those lightning mana particles to wipe out those fire balls.
As predicted, Kelios knew that Talia would split the original three fire balls into multiple fireflies. If he used the spear for a slash, those fireflies might've damaged him already. Talia also uses his second plan, fire ball and fire enhancement, now he has a big fire ball ready to launch forward.
Kelios switches back to the staff, he controls the winds to protect himself while accumulating mana for the next strike. Direct Clash! That fire ball shoots toward Kelios and he uses the winds to unleash a shockwave, tightly exploding the opponent's attack.
Wind Slash!
*Clash* – That's close, Talia almost got the entire left arm of Kelios, if only he launched it faster. Our wealthy guy also switches back to the spear, he can't win this fight in spells dueling with his friend.
Same attack, both of them come up with a strong wind slash, wind element spell level one. However, due to the advantage of the weapon, Kelios drives a mana enhanced slash toward Taila. Which is parried then, both of them try to use the same attack again.
Wind Burst!
*Bang* – Talia was sent flying back five meters, Kelios uses Wind Burst again to shoot himself toward Talia as fast as possible. Attaching the Wind Slash into the spear, he lands it down onto Talia swiftly.
*Smack – Crack* – That hit was clean and diabolical. By setting rock traps in front of him, Talia was able to damage Kelios while breaking his force landing down by breaking his balance. That genius move bought him a chance to parry the slash and hit it away. He takes the chance to cancel the rocks and pin the opponent to the ground. Yet, Kelios has been waiting for this one. He grabs that left arm of Talia and switches their position upside down.
*Thud* – But he doesn't think about this knee kick, Talia kicks Kelios away by attaching the winds into that left foot. He does a backflip to get back the balance, also pointing the staff toward Kelios, who just gets back the epic spear.
Fireball (level 1) and Fire Enhancement (level 2) have been chanted by Talia. Concentrating in front of that metal staff is the massive blazing orb, this time, it's even bigger than what Kelios destroyed before.
Yet, it doesn't mean that his opponent has no option left. By starting the combo with level one thunder spell – Thunder Strike, which is the fastest set up move for Kelios right at this moment. He also splits the flows of mana into three lightning orbs.
*Whirr* – That fireball is approaching.
Chain III: Fire Spear (level 3)/Thunder Chains (level 3)
*Zrrt* – One step ahead, Talia's fire spear has already bypassed those ten thunderous chains, shooting straight toward Kelios.
*Fsh – Crackle* – A thin blood line scratches on his face, yet the blood drops are instantly burnt. However at the end, he still dodged that life-taking spear in the hair's breadth.
Right now! Kelios–
*Fwoom!* – But he forgot one thing. The place that he's standing upon was the old location of the Fire Zone spell. I didn't say it's canceled either. Combining the fire spear and the circle Zone set right there, that fire zone instantly blows up everything inside as a giant grenade.
Wind Burst – Kelios used it to blow the impact of the explosion away, at least able to protect himself. On the other side, Talia also used the same spell to boost himself toward the opponent.
*Shhhk!* – Different from the normal wind whistling, this technique requires Talia to lock on the target. That's why it sounds more sharp and short. And when the hiss went to silence, the true air cannon was shot from those hand signs.
His hand signs are the combination of the closed left hand, facing upward and the half closed right hand with only the index and middle fingers pointing forward. Two inner waists touch each other, they both hit directly toward the chest of Kelios – locking him within the gales.
*Bang* – Launching forward a massive gale cannon, Helios is sent flying away at seventy kilometers per hour speed.
*Smack* – In order not to kill Talia with terrible bleeding, Kelios switched back to the staff and thrust it straight toward his lungs. That's hurt, Jack has seen at least a blood drop overflew through Talia's lips. On the contrary, being hit by the gale burst isn't that comfortable. Kelios is currently on the ground already.
"Talia, you've won." – Quick recognition, then he steps toward Kelios to heal him up.
Coughing badly, "F* it. That's heavy."
Almost lying down, Talia ducks a face too, "Look at what you did, I'm getting dyspnea. Where's the compensation?"
…
*Pfft* – That's how the compressed gas of a good soft drink should sound like. Both Talia and Kelios are sitting on the bench with their soft drink. As such, Talia this time finally has his strawberry soda, meanwhile Kelios is drinking light alcoholic lemon soda on the other side.
"Did you learn the Gale Burst Technique from books?" – He asks.
Not even a second delay, "Of course. At least the library in my maternal family is in the top three of this Empire. I can find anything there."
"But doesn't it mean you should have a wind spirit to learn that technique?"
"Not really, whenever you finished the first step already, you would be able to launch it at will. But as you said, to upgrade the output, I'd need to find a wind spirit later." – Talia talks like it's nothing.
"Dude, are we deadass? Are you really talking as an Ivory Class mage?"
"I'm always an Ivory Class mage."
"Said of who can launch up to ten spells at once."
"Nothing but luck."
"That's ragebaiting."
*Click* – The door is opened, who's stepping outside is Jack, their professor. His face is all green, looks like he's been torturing.
*Pfft* – Later, "Are you good?"
"Not really, why are all your parents too serious about injuries in combat practice class?" – In his right hand, a blueberry soft drink is already used.
"What did my uncle say?" – Talia wonders.
"Bunch of shit about safety is the most important thing, in a fighting course, well done." – Being given a hard time, the professor shows no good manners toward his old classmate.
"Well, it'd be my father's secretary who came here to do the same thing, right? – Kelios asks, yet more like confirms.
"Obviously, next class, I'll need you two. No, all of the students must sign in a letter of commitment. I'm so done." – Jack bought the second soda from the vending machine already.
"Can you pass me two strawberry sodas?" – Giving him the student ID card, Talia asks.
*Beep – Clunk Clunk* – "Here."
"Wait, aren't you two going to be late for the course of ARTH 110A? I saw both of you had it in the schedule." – Jack looks at them.
They look at Jack, then each other, "Oh shit."
"See you later." – Wind Burst, they all run for their life to the A Building.
"Two more minutes, faster!" – Shouting from behind, Jack also comes back to the field for the next class. What a day.
Looking at them, "Well, Talia and Kelios, right?"
The professor is looking at them with the eye of judgement, as if she's asking for the reason why they're almost late.
"It's not our fault, we were just called to the office half an hour ago." – Kelios did a fallacy, if he keeps the information general without specific details, no one except they know the truth.
"Alright, this is the first class so I won't mark you two tardy. Not for the next time."
"Thank you professor."
"Wait, are you Taila?" – She's a fine girl, who dresses as a true noble of the Cala Empire.
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"I just want to confirm if you're acknowledged anything about the fallen of the Vela clan?"
His face instantly turns black, he's quite shocked at first, then suddenly switches to a gaze of wrath, "Do you know something about it?"
Watching his emotions change, Kira sees no suspicious behavior, "Nothing, I'm curious too. There're two projects that my clan had to postpone because the major partner of your family has fallen. It's annoying for me, the successor, to deal with in future."
"Oh, it seems like I've misbehaved, please excuse me." – Talia ends the small talk, getting to his seat for the class.
"Alright guys, I am Professor Edeliana Catropeth of the Catropeth clan. I don't care about the rank in my own name, it's annoying to put an extra word into the name which I'll call for many times. I'll also call only the first and last names of yours, so don't take it personal." – She introduces herself, sharp and clear.
"I've taken a look at your portfolios, I know some of you come from normal families, some are nobles and two royals here. I don't care, all are equal in behaviors, credits, grades and chances."
She raises a finger, "Also, if I notice and witness any violation, the related bullies will be dropped immediately. This is the Academy, not your own place to go ape or whatever alike."
"Finally, I sent the syllabus already, you can check it only, I only answer if you have any questions. I'm too lazy to read all 106 pages of content including the documents we'll use for this course."
She points to a girl in the front row, "You."
"Professor, do we have any extra credit? I don't see it mentioned in the syllabus." – She's not too pretty, yet still good enough with her long blonde hair.
"It's based on the median of your scores. If you all suck in grades, I'll try my best to help, yet you must be able to deal with the exams and knowledge first."
"Anything else?" – She asks.
Shaking her head, Yena sits down.
After three more questions, she took out a magic wand and set pre-class test papers before each student here. She activates another spell, summoning a full set of equipment for this test.
"Alright, you have half an hour to do as much as you can. I won't grade this one, only to test your current level. Go!" – She claps her hands at the end, starting the test.
After fifteen minutes, the first one to ask about the Aura related questions is the successor of the Bothea clan, a Viscount clan – Radeas van-ze Bothea.
"Don't worry, to be a good mage you need to know well about mana. But to be good enough to survive outside this Academy, you should know about your opponents too. And Aura users are one of them."
After five more minutes, "What do you mean by asking Core Replacement Technique?"
She's a short violet-haired girl, who comes from a commoner family.
"It's normal for this knowledge to be hidden for commoners. As I said, it's only for level testing, not for grades. So just do whatever you can, I have my own scales based on your background."
*Pfft* – Third can of soft drink today, Talia has one more strawberry soda in his pocket. On the bench, he searches through the books he's read before for the answers of the two last questions of the test.
"Yo, how's it going?" – Kelios is again with his alcoholic lemon soda, but this time is the sweet salt edition.
"I couldn't do the last one, the second last question, I put my own theory instead. Currently checking, but no answer yet." – Talia throws the empty can away, then he opens the new one.
"Are you sugar hungry, that bad dude?"
"Do you know how fast a brain can consume energy while running at max speed?" – Talia buys three more sodas.
…
"Are we deadass?" – Five cans already, Talia found nothing. It's quite surprising that even the library of his maternal family can't find the answer in a test of a professor.
"That's impossible, even limited knowledge for royals can be found…"
Wait, perhaps that question doesn't have an answer. Is it possible?
"Up to limitless?" – The old patriarch of the Gradias clan just wonders if he misheard anything.
"Yes, about the theoretically infinite range of Zone technique." – Talia is having a virtual call with his grandfather.
"I'm not sure, you know that our clan is all about swords and Aura. Spells and mages are the fields that we have no clue about, you should ask the librarian spirit of our library. If she doesn't know, then it's hopeless."
"Alright, thank you."
"Don't forget to find a girlfr–"
*Beep* – That's enough, he knows which he'd hear after.
"What do you think about this year's freshmen?" – She has dark violet hair yet still shiny somehow, lying on the bed with a curse of sloth haunting.
Yuurei puts the mana record item on the table while taking out the clothes for the sleepwears. He lies on the bed beside his girlfriend, then puts her into his arms.
"At least ten guys have enough potential for Crimson Class after four to six years. One special who's named Talia Vela, he has something you might be interested in." – He yawns.
"Talia? Should be a commoner."
"He's the successor of a fallen clan. But his maternal family is a duke clan."
"Not that different, you know that, we only look at the results." – Scrolling the blanket around herself, she slightly leans on Yuurei's left shoulder. For the same, he also approaches her neck with a kiss, time to be lazy.
In the records of the new era humans through five thousand years total, there's no chance for two souls to reach absolute synchronization to each other. The doppelganger is an anomalous case, not the natural probability of Aurorize. Yet, for some reasons that Yuurei and Hellane have that kind of synchronization, in short, they can do an absolute mind communication. Which prevents all the peekings of others obviously and they can stay close to each other to feel high. Nothing is better than hugging your lover after a day, especially when it recovers your sanity, tiredness and exhaustion spiritually. I mention the recovery in spiritual power, not the illusion of love.
*Clash* – In another combat practice course for Aura users, Talia is somehow here to fight a swordsman. His opponent is a standard swordsman training to be a knight in future, his fighting style is all about thrusting, slashing steadily with longswords. He can perform his skills with many types of longsword and in a variety of sword's length, yet, the oakeshott type XVIII is the best option. It has two blades, perfect length and balanced weight.
*Clash* – On the contrary, Talia is using the type XIV instead. It has two blades also, the shorter length yet easier to swing with better speed. Talia does not have that much Aura so his strategy is all about baiting and countering as smoothly as possible to reduce the cost of Aura. We've been witnessing the fights of monsters, so basically running out of energy is somewhat new to you all, I think? It's true, the fact that learners at this level are easily exhausted in training.
*Clash* – A much lighter sound than the previous times, Talia finally was able to catch up with that movement. He dodged aside enough to slightly use the sword passing through the cutting blade of Utaga. While using it as a temporary shield to help him approach the opponent for better chances.
*Smack* – A heavy strike was launched to the belly of Talia, yet he's already at the ideal range. Pulse is the technique allowing Aura users to release an amount of Aura in a specific amount of range for a specific amount of damage. It's nothing but a surprise shot from Talia at that hip, nice and clean. At that moment, Talia also leaves the close range toward his opponent already.
*Boom* – Guard is activated, carrying Utaga one time before he can swing his sword horizontally for a slash. Talia dodges it due to the already set distance between them, then he follows up with a flying slash, still an Emanation element.
*Clash* – Guard is already activated to save Utaga for another time, while Talia is already close to him. A quick swipe from his left leg, enough to kick the right leg of Utaga away – breaking the stance. Following that action, Utaga is falling backward due to his loss of balance. And by lowering his knees while pushing the left foot toward, also allowing him to dodge the random swing of his opponent.
At that moment, the winner was decided, yet, he refused. By using the same Pulse technique, Utaga unleashed a large amount of Aura outside as a bomb. That process was long enough for Talia to stop the action to dash aside, yet still fast enough to damage his left arm seriously. As a trade, it cost Utaga one third of his total Aura amount too, that's expensive for just a save.
*Clash* – One shot from Talia forced Utaga to step back twice.
*Clash - Clash* – Three more shots from Talia for the same goal yet two of them got deflected, one was weakened by the Guard protection.
*Clash* – Approaching for pressing, Utaga forces Talia to a dead end staying at one place while needed to block the strike. He swiftly moves that right foot to kick the opponent away. Utaga also throws a flying slash toward Talia, who just gets back into his standard stance.
*Clash* – Deflecting that attack away, Talia slightly moves to the right. As predicted, Utaga really hit to the left side with an upward strike swung from the left. With the new distance, Talia is now comfortable to shoot–
*Clash* – Using the Aura transferred to the blade, after missing the slash, he changed it to a flying slash and threw it toward Talia. That movement was genuinely genius, it caused Talia to miss the best chance to counter. And to counter that missed counter, he also leaps upward, aiming for a heavy slam.
*Bang - Crack* – Even the floor under Talia's feet is crumbled, he uses everything to just escape after blocking it once. His arms are shaking so bad, he tries to swing the sword yet those hands aren't able to move yet.
Taking that chance, Utaga again approaches with an upward slash from the left. Using his rotation power to accelerate the blade for a swing, it can reach 92 meters per second at the peak. Yet the trajectory is too obvious, pinning his sword into the ground with some Aura, Talia instantly steps back to dodge the flicked sword.
There's one thing called inertia, which prevents you from recalling the sword after swinging it too strongly as fast as possible while doing it normally. Applying the same logic, it's the best chance for Talia using that technique.
Which he learnt from the book is using wind mana for a Gale Burst strike. But what if he replaces the input with Aura instead? That piercing nature isn't replaced, and that Aura strike can pierce through the Guard protection of Utaga – sending him flying away. Yet, Talia isn't that talented in the Aura field so it's not a big deal for his opponent getting back to the fight. So what he needs to do is make sure that Utaga won't be able to stand up – flying slash!
With a projectile following up with another slash upside down, Talia can make sure that he's going to finish this fight off. Or at least that's what he thought.
*Vrm* – Setting this trap, it took Utaga a while. Zone technique using Aura allows users to draw a circle with themselves at the center position. He can not actually perform the automatic counter technique as Aetheria, yet the advantage of checking all the movement inside the zone is still available. First move, he dodged the flying slash, second one, he drives that blade toward Talia, who's still in mid air.
*Clash* – Both the swords ran from their hands, yet Utaga is faster in the last move. He grabbed the arms of Talia then threw him onto the ground heavily.
*Thud* – When the back of his hit the ground, it made a strong sound of crack. Utaga pressed more force into the opponent – breaking the entire zone of five meters around into fragments, the surface mentioned.
"Ouch."
"Gee-gee man." – Utaga recalls the swords, he puts one on the ground for Talia. He can't believe it, it's just been two days for this newbie to reach his level of reflex. If he had no extra power in his bloodline, the one lying on the ground should've been him.
Yes, you heard it right, not only beasts and monsters have extra powers from bloodline, also human nobles do. This is the quality change due to an Aura user breaking through the specific level. It causes their body and Aura veins ascending to the higher level of quality, which can be inherited apart by descendants. Who might wonder how clans choose their successors. It's not only about performance, but also the quality of bloodline they inherited. Whoever has a better bloodline quality also has a better chance to be chosen, yet it's not too overwhelming to make sure that the elders bias one lineage.
Let's introduce again, this is the successor of the Radiach clan, Utaga del-sa Radiach – who has been training to be one of the best Earls in his clan. Even though he has worse quality in bloodline compared to the rest of candidates, his performance, efforts and feats are still more considerable than others'. As such, his bloodline power only activates if he bursts the Aura from the Aura veins into his entire body, it works as a flicker – igniting his physical stats in a short amount of time. That's why he could take Talia down onto the ground at the end of the fight, that sudden burst was such a good trump card at this level. And of course, he can't maintain it or abuse it due to the pressure after that.
"You're good, that tactical brain works quite well."
Catching that hand, Talia uses it to pull himself up, "Thanks, calculating everything is a part of my strategy in general."
"I have no idea why a mage major like you needs this class but hands combat skill is quite suitable for a lacking of energy like you." – After two days, it's easy for Utaga to realize that Talia has such a disadvantage in his capacity of both Aura and mana. Moreover, except the blood veins, the rest in his body is somehow stagnant in energy circulation.
"If you want to break through your own disadvantages by close range combat skills, I think you'd be able to focus on mana/Aura enhancement later. Don't forget to practice fighting skills." – Utaga transfers the Aura into his two hands for an example.
"As you can see, with better enhancement of Aura, your attack potency is more likely to be optimized, with less loss."
Then he runs one circulation of Aura in his veins, "I can't explain to you how this Aura mobilization technique works but you can witness it yourself. Use Sight, focus on how it starts and ends."
As what Alan and Andrew Sage use, the Aura mobilization techniques aren't that rare, yet monopolized by clans, royals and Sages. Radiach clan has their own technique too, it focuses on bursting the energy inside out for bursted strikes in a short amount of time. Starting from the heart, then shooting the energy via veins throughout the body. Connecting the starting point and the ending point to form a circulation, accelerating the heart for faster and stronger strikes.
"But don't try to connect the two points. We're taught how to end the circulation, if you failed to end the system, it would automatically run and burn you until you die. Just take some experience to figure out what you need to do." – Utaga finished his set up when he's talking.
He slightly unleashes the Aura outside as pressure crashes down onto the ground – making it crumbled. He forces his heart to beat stronger and faster thrice for one time – pushing even harder onto the ground.
Among the amount of cracks and floating fragments, he says, "It allows me to be stronger and faster yet the pressure on my body after is the true issue. You can figure out your own way for a temporary stable circulation or copy my technique. But I suggest you not to, your heart won't be able to bear that pressure."
"Do you think I can use Andrew Sage's one?" – Talia asks.
"I don't think it's suitable for you, despite the fact you use fire magics as your major, your Aura isn't flame at its core. Which means you will have to face the overheating issue in order not to burn yourself badly."
Remembering something, "I see, there's one available technique in this academy. But you will need to contribute a lot before being permitted to learn it."
"Which one?"
"Grand Circle Mobilization Technique, which is worth exactly one million points. You need points, proof of contribution to this academy and passing the Aura veins test, then the council would check your portfolio to decide the final step." – He shows three fingers toward Talia.
"Good luck, there were only twenty commoner students who were allowed to learn that technique, the rest were all nobles and royals. Your portfolio is quite special so just use the data of commoners for the worst case, six years – the total terms you can stay in this academy as a student. You only have six years for one million points." – Patting Talia's right shoulder, Utaga slightly smiles yet hides it away as a cough.
"Why are we ragebaiting right now?"
"Alright guys, wrap it up." – This is the professor of this Aura Combat Practice course, Shinz, a commoner with no last name. He's muscular and tall, that shoulderspan, those arms and legs, all the details on his body are the perfect model for a striker. Indeed, he is actually a Golden Hunter known as iron fists.
He requires the students to bring the Aura toolbox if they have for the next lessons, "Up to three more weeks, we'll focus on expanding your Aura capacity and combat reflex. That's it, see you all."
Break time, five minutes after that class, Talia is alone with his strawberry soda again. He's not searching for the answer but wondering how he could have permission for the mobilization technique. With common sense, he just needs to talk to the office for the goal. Yet, he's also told that with his current portfolio, it'd be better to wait. Twenty commoners are the total number of who could learn that technique, which proved the difficulty. Coming there with a normal portfolio, though all the ways shall come up with no chance.
"You're actually good at this." – The third professor has shown up, she has light violet hair with a darker gradient drawn to the end. The honor young professor who was offered a permanent contract with the Cala Academy as a tier two resource. She graduated from this place three years ago, spending a total of five years in studying the higher field of alchemy from her second year. Even crazier, she didn't even need to pay a coin for the entire term, yet, her scholarships gave her free 350 thousand ACs each year. With the stable network of being an assistant in classes, tutoring nobles and contract manufacturing potions for The Great Merchant of Alchemists. She earned over seven million ACs before spending three years in The Tower of Mages.
A genius that reached the Crimson Mage rank at the age of twenty-one, she's Klane, a genius among commoners. She's been standing right next to Talia for ten minutes, all the process, she witnessed all the steps. From adjusting the amount of input of the machine, the amount of ingredients to the conditions for the reaction, nothing was done wrong.
"It seems like level one potion is quite easy to you huh?" – She asks.
"I won't claim it as the truth, it sounds so overconfident. I only have some experience by learning from books and documents." – Talia takes out the product, the mana recovering potion with ninety percent purity. For more context, after eighty-five percent of purity, the potions are listed as the high value ones.
"I treat people equally, as I said. I'll give the first one completing this small entry test a gift in the academic field. Tell me what you want." – She takes out an uncommon storage ring, this is the most asked reward she witnessed. Yes, her teaching system is majorly affected by her old professor, no wonder why she took out the ring at first.
"How can I simplify the process of replacing the input?" – He asked an academic question.
"Wow, I thought it'd be a while for me to hear that question again." – She remembers the day she asked the same question to her professor, Mrs. Oriel.
"I'll use her original answer to explain it to you." – She smiles slightly.
"Each ingredient has its own reaction rate, attribute and classification. Same classification, most likely having the same reaction rate. The same reaction rate doesn't mean the same attribute or classification. And the same attribute tells you they can react to the same solvent and be extracted in the same way." – She takes out the flesh of a poisonous white spider, which is known for the deadly poisonous attribute and swift attack speed.
Unlike what Talia performed with the neutral blood veins of a giant lizard, this flesh requires the second ingredient. She takes out a black fragment of spider stone, which is known for the attribute of absorbing poison in organic liquids, especially effective for under tier four spiders.
"This stone can absorb poison, it's an inorganic substance, which the organic solvent can't melt. This solvent is hungry for organic flesh."
*Fshh* – The white smoke slightly flows up with bubbles in the liquid, the evidence that the energy and poison have been dissolved. She puts the stone there, in the middle of the container. Slowly, the black liquid turns blue and the spider stone is totally covered by a dense black-violet coat.
"As you can see, the poison is all removed. Easy ninety-eight percent purity potion, you need to remember the attributes and reaction rates of the ingredients and three solvents as much as possible. The combinations are easier to figure out if you finish the first step, they're classified in groups for the same attributes too, don't forget that." – She leaves his station, coming to the next one to check the result.
"Seventy-two, not that bad. You put too much solvent and don't stir the liquid too fast."
"Got it."
She goes to the next one, "Eighty-nine, great."
Among the noises, three couples of eyes are on track Talia, one of them is from the member of the viscount, Tharol Clan – Umero van Tharol, who comes from the old dependent clan of Vela family. She comes with the curiosity, whether the successor of Vela clan could rise up or be the last member.
The second one is purely an inquiry from the sixth prince of the Cala Empire – Astromus Pandelym de Cala. He is one of the most possible candidates for the throne of the King, shown by the inheritance of the current King's own clan name – Pandelym. Spreading the authority in the academy is such a normal work for these candidates to collect more and more impact, supporting their final chance to be chosen by the King. And the last one? I'll keep his identity a secret.
"Sup, how's it going?" – Utaga with Talia, they are standing at the second floor for a better view on the fights in the practice field.
"Alchemy is quite hard." – Fourth strawberry soda can today.
"I see, it's reasonable. The data when you try to dig in is too much right? Unlike the numbers in spell calculation, the alchemy reaction is evil."
"Indeed, I'm limited at the amount of trials to test the new reactions, leading to the restricted amount of data and records afterward." – Talia had to pull out the fourth soda already, which proved how big the cost was for his brain to work through those two hours after class.
"That's why I quit the course in just two days, I thought I could gain some money while being an alchemist, all scam." – Utaga laughs.
"Yo, what are you all doing here?" – Kelios arrives with his coffee, a strong black one for absolute caffeine.
"Just observing how seniors fight." – Talia speaks up.
"Yo Kely, get down here for a fight with me?" – That guy has red hair, the special bright halo of wealth. Talia can't be wrong, that guy must be at least Kelios's cousin.
"Shut up, the arithmancy homework is killing me right now." – Kelios gives that guy a little middle finger for the greeting. Fair enough, because of that dude, he had to endure the training process of being the successor of the Duclarias clan for seven years.
"Is that your little brother?" – Spoke from the guy with black hair standing right next to Hyclarius val Duclarias.
"Ye, he's quite hating me right now. Not going to lie but I don't know why." – He says.
He knows that his friend left the mansion of the Duclarias clan at the age of eight for freedom. He knows that his friend passed all the pressure of being the successor on his little brother without any explanation. He knows that this guy hasn't even contacted his brother since then, "I guess bro."
"So you're attending two combat practice courses, one arithmancy course and one alchemy course?" – Draco slightly touches his glasses and strokes his black hair, the intrusive action of being terrified.
"Yes, I have some reasons to speed run everything." – Talia stops at the vending machine, buying the same mix yet with strawberry soda for the base.
*Sigh* – "It's up to you, the final exams aren't the hardest part. You will have to face the projects for each course, it will cost you your sleeping time."
"Doesn't matter, I won't be able to build up the new Vela clan if I'm not going to do something useful." – He finished the payment for the drink.
"Alright whatever, you can find me for help if needed. We have a group of ten guys to gather together, possibly helping you." – Draco does a fist bump, he's leaving right now.
"See you."
"Alright." – Talia also does the same thing, this way to behave as a commoner is not that bad, he thought.
*Beep* – "How's your day, my grandson?"
Hearing that voice, he knows exactly who's there, "Good evening, as usual, nothing unusual."
"Good, I've searched for the infinite range theory in Zone for you, Talia."
With a curious manner, he asks, "What did you get?"
"Hoho, can't tell you. This field is hard to explain without a specific level of expertise. I believe that your professor only put the last question there for personal purposes. Nothing could've been contributed if it's solved or not." – The Duke explained.
"I see, I'm not in a rush so it's fine. After this semester, I'll rank up to the Azure Class. Can you prepare the documents for me?" – Talia walks to his room at the I Building.
"Great, you might be the first Umbral Class mage for both your paternal and maternal clans."
"Don't say that soon, I'll still need to learn many things."
*Noises* – There are seven guys in the hall, right at Talia's room. He doesn't care that much, perhaps they just know each other.
"Excuse me." – He asks for yielding then takes out the card.
"Yo buddy, we'll be in a neighbourhood from now on. I haven't seen you before, did you just change the room today?" – A commoner with light red hair, he's called Zoa Radiz.
Talia takes a look at them all, he finds three strange guys, "Nice to meet you all. I'm here from the start, perhaps our schedules are just different for the meeting chance to become rare."
He laughs, "Doesn't matter, I'm Zoa."
Black hair, he has it with a quite long length, "Daniel."
"I'm Daheng." – That deep blue hair slightly swings with his movement.
"Kitane, I'm a transfer student for two years." – He has cyan hair tied as a swordsman.
Talia silently remembers all of them, then he also introduces himself toward the nobles. This is not for drawing attention or something nonsense. In any case, when the nobles meet each other, whoever has lower rank has to slightly bow and introduce the names, ranks and then the greeting. After those three steps, the high one will do a hand shake while introducing themselves too. And Talia is a fallen noble, which is obviously the lowest rank in the noble system, so it's his turn to do things first.
"Talia, currently a fallen noble of Vela Clan." – This is shortened already, the longer and more formal is exclusively for galas, balls or special events with royals. In normal talks among nobles, not patriarchs or leaders of clans, name and rank are enough. Then a hand shake to end the greeting.
Starting with a black-haired guy, "Kinyo Amon, a member of Amon Clan, main lineage."
Then the next guy with silver hair, "Hugo Lamatis, the successor of Lamatis Clan."
The last guy has lime green hair, "Skar Raskavela, a member of the branch lineage of Raskavela Clan."
"Alright guys!" – Wrapping his arms through the shoulders of Skar and Kinyo, grabbing them to the late night market.
"We have to go." – Leaving with them, Hugo and Kitane also follow up. They don't forget to do a fist bump with Talia and the rest of the neighbours.
Looking at Talia, Daniel asks, "Don't you go to the late night market?"
"What is it?"
"Special event in Spring, once per week, from eight thirty to midnight on Wednesday."
Wait, have I told you today is Wednesday already? Magical Combat Practice and Arithmancy courses on Monday, Tuesday is a free day and Wednesday for Martial Combat Practice along with Alchemy courses for Talia – 15 credits in total.
And that's the reason that he showed both Daniel and Daheng for not attending that event. With the same reason, those two guys also have homework and early projects to deal with for alchemy and gears engineering classes.
Do you all want to see the private room of a boy? To see which kind of secret things they might have, does it sound curious? How about we take a look at Talia's room? I love this kind of sneaking work.
Talia doesn't belong to the place full of energy, on the contrary, a library with warm and old design is a better choice. The two-layered curtains slightly swing under moonlight, the vibe of a cyan night has been applied. This is the special feature that Talia paid for two days ago, switching the room vibe with music is convenient for him to get into the flow state.
The two-layered bed takes half of the space already, because sleeping quality is really important. Hung over his head, attached to the bottom of the second layer, a mana stone light bulb is there for a better sleeping quality. His bed cushion, it's so soft that you could fall asleep with the support of the calming scent of another magical item. All for the sleeping quality, for which is important shall be reminded thrice.
Alright, that's it, what else are you even expecting? There's no waifu wall arts for you guys. And if you have no clue, Talia's taste in music is also classic. For him, a combination of cello, piano and violin is a perfect match. Somewhat lukewarm, classic, calm and along with this quiet vibe.
And for the vibe that I've said, how about we switch it to another one? At the deadly forest of darkness and corpses, where the moon still shines yet more apathetic than ever. Sitting on a flat rock, a white-haired guy is in the Seiza* posture.
*Seiza: the formal, traditional Japanese way of kneeling and sitting upright on the floor.
He's here with a traditional samurai outfit, a white Nagagi, a black Hakama, a black Haori and another black Obi to keep everything formal at once. His sleeves are tied up a bit for a better feeling in swinging the sword.
Along with the swordsman, a black katana sits aside. Under the moonlight, they unleash the unstoppable pressure around, forcing the anomalies to stay away. As if he's waiting for someone, the swordsman hasn't moved for a bit.
"What are you seeking for?" – He speaks up.
At the point no one knows, that guy has revealed himself, "Nothing, just a quick visit to see my friend."
Yes, he has shiny golden hair, with a one-eye glass and a couple of holy gloves. He shouldn't be unrecognized, Rudolf, the blessed one.
"How are you doing?"
"Nothing special, days and nights, killing these anomalies as usual." – The swordsman answers.
"Why don't you just rest? This isn't supposed to be your job alone." – Rudolf offers.
"The average anomalies right here have the power of a grade six hunter. The Holy Council stopped their missions for too long and that organization was defeated already, who are you going to mobilize here?" – Despite the fact that he isolates himself for this mission, he is still able to stay up to date.
"Like bro, how are you still able to keep up with the current situation man? You should be a pre-history human right now, it's been two years since that day of isolation." – Rudolf goofies around.
"Ravens can talk, they fly, they witness and they tell stories."
"Whatever, there's an organization that's called The Round Tables of Knights–"
"I know them, I met Phoenix already." – The swordsman speaks up.
"Great, what do you think? If you want, I can deal with them by sending tropes here for training." – Rudolf smiles.
"Rudolf." – A cold call, that gaze looks so bad.
He continues, "They don't have enough power for this dead forest. Do you really want to kill them?"
"Don't worry, Diamond and Holy Knights should come here too. They won't refuse this chance to be stronger and whenever they accept, it just proves that they're ready to face death in the worst cases." – Rudolf sits next to his friend, still offering a deal.
"Do what you want. But I'll reject all the weak knights, I don't want useless and meaningless death to happen here." – He draws a line, yet it still shows that he's already accepted the help.
"Alright, you won't regret training them I swear." – Rudolf stands up, it's been a while since the actual fight he used to have.
"Because you're here already, use your purifying power to close this singularity all at once." – He grabs the sword, unsheaths it to start this massacre.
Flicking the silver moonlight, the katana swiftly splits the anomalies into scarps of flesh and black liquid. Stained not by those disgusting things, the silver blade is still as bright as ever.
The Eight Swords of Terania – The Lost Blade: Silver Moonlight