The training for the students began two days later.
Lisa had already made it clear to Jason that he'd be doing most of the talking. He'd been uncharacteristically quiet when they first met the students the day before, and she wasn't about to let that happen again.
Since the training would take place outdoors, the plan was to cover the basics of controlling light energy and channeling it into their techniques.
Lisa's own abilities weren't especially flashy, so Jason was the natural choice to demonstrate how a Clarion technique was really supposed to look.
Jason: That seems awfully convenient, don't you think?
Lisa smirked at him.
Lisa: Today's the day you overcome your dislike of kids. It'll be good practice. How else are you going to handle things when you become a father?
Jason: Yeah, no thanks. I don't plan on getting married or having kids. Besides, I might not even live long enough for that, considering what we do.
Lisa: Oh, come on. Don't be such a downer. Maybe it's because you haven't found the right woman yet. Besides, you can't use our jobs as an excuse not to live a little. Remember what Marlo said the other day?
Jason briefly recalled it and sighed.
Jason: I guess.
At that moment, the students began to file up into the training ground.
Lisa::Here they come. Now remember, you're the one doing the talking.
Jason: (groaning) What a pain.
Lisa: Just give it a try, okay?
After doing a quick roll call, Lisa stepped aside, leaving Jason to address the students. Jason looked around and still caught sight of Takimo standing behind the rest of them and he sighed.
Jason: So, does anyone know what light energy is?
Silva raised her hand and Jason gestured to her to answer.
Silva: Light energy is the energy we Clarions are born with which was formed after the Nexus energy split in two. Light energy can also be passed down from parent to child.
Jason seemed highly impressed by her knowledge and he let his face show it.
Jason: That's correct. Now, who can tell me what a Clarion technique is?
Rin raised his hand and Jason's eyes turned to him.
Rin: Clarion techniques are abilities powered by light energy. We can use them for battle and to save lives. Almost everyone has one, but if you don't, you can learn one.
Jason: Good answer. (surveying the group) I assume most, if not all of you, have already awakened your Clarion techniques. Most people do by the time they turn twelve.
Most of them nodded their heads.
Jason: Alright, then. I want each of you to tell me what your technique is.
His eyes moved around and rested on Takimo once again.
Jason: Takimo, you first.
Takimo: Me?
Jason: Did I stutter?
Sensing the seriousness from Jason, Takimo then responded.
Jason: My Clarion technique allows me to manipulate fire. I haven't come up with a name for it though.
Jason's eyes then fell on Kazemaru who was eager to speak up.
Kazemaru: I… My mom calls it the "Glass Prism" technique. It's an inherited technique that allows me to create glass and shape it into any form.
Jason: Impressive.
Jason then turned his attention to Silva.
Silva: I wasn't born with a technique, so I learned "Body Reinforcement" from my uncle. It gives me superhuman strength and boosts my endurance.
Karla acted bashful and couldn't look at Jason in the eye as she spoke
Karla: M… M… My technique lets me turn invisible and make others invisible too, as long as I'm touching them. I… I call it the "Obscure" technique.
Jason nodded his head as the name of the technique impressed him. Tendo then spoke before Jason's attention was drawn to him.
Tendo: I haven't come up with a name for mine yet but I can manipulate iron ore to create weapons, but... right now, I can only manage a mallet hammer like the ones in video games.
Takimo: (to himself) That's cool as hell though.
Rin was the last person and when it was his turn to speak, he rolled up the sleeves of his jacket and revealed his Clarion markings which all took the shapes of different animals.
Rin: My Clarion markings create a kind of link with the animals tattooed on my left arm. Once that link is established, I can imitate specific features of the animal on my skin.
Tendo: Woah… That's sick!
Jason: (to himself) That's really cool though.
Jason cleared his throat and then continued.
Jason: Okay. You all have impressive techniques. But before you can fully use them, you need to learn how to infuse light energy into hand-to-hand combat. Then, we'll get to how your light energy can power up your abilities.
Lisa then smiled mischievously and approached Jason from behind.
Lisa: Wouldn't you like to give us a demonstration?
Kazemaru smiled once he heard this.
Kazemaru: Yes! Please show us your technique, Mr. Jason!
Lisa: Go on. Show us.
Jason felt like the earth should swallow him up at that moment, but unfortunately his request wasn't granted. He sighed and then removed his hands from his pockets which had been there this whole time.
That's when everyone saw it; the Clarion markings on Jason's hands. They were red in color and their design made it seem like it was like an alchemic transmutation circle.
Jason then scanned his surroundings, then locked onto a lone tree nearby. He extended his right hand toward it and made a quick, flickering gesture with his fingers.
Jason: [WHITE: LIGHTNING FLICK]
The moment he flicked his fingers, a small bolt of lightning erupted in his hands and flew straight to the tree, knocking down one of its many branches and setting it ablaze.
This was a small feat but it was enough to impress everyone, especially Kazemaru.
Kazemaru: Whoa! It's so much cooler up close!
The rest of his classmates chuckled under their breaths while Jason sighed, clearly annoyed by the ongoing praise..
Jason: Alright, now Ms. Lisa will supervise while you practice infusing your light energy into combat. We'll get to you improving your techniques later. My work here is done.