Combat techniques were divided into 3 stages. The first was absorbing the energy, processing the energy and finally releasing the processed energy.

Take the Raiju breathing technique as an example. The first stage of the breathing technique synched his breathing rhythm with the lightning part of nature, enabling him to absorb lightning energy.

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At the second stage, the absorbed energy was distributed to all parts of his body, increasing the power of his lightning spells.

At the third stage of the combat technique, due to the Raiju breathing technique's specialty, the released energy bypassed most of the physical defenses and went for the targets internal organs.

The third stage of combat techniques were where most of the difference lay due to their uniqueness, but Zirrack wasn't focused on the 3rd stage but on the 1st and 2nd.

One of his main goals in the current semester was mana enhancement which was basically using ones mana to enhance the physical properties of the human body.

Mana enhancement heavily relied on the mastery of the 1st and 2nd stage of combat techniques.

"That is enough lecture for today. Now, lets get to the main course for today." Instructor Zirrack said.

'No evil grin. That's a good sign…' Blake thought.

"Like you were told, this semester is mostly about teamwork. So this exercise will be a team exercise/ training."

'Did I just hear that right??' Just like every other student, Blake was considering if his ears had gone bad because it was very hard to believe what he heard.

Normally, after the explanation part always came the torture. So it was quite shocking, but the problem was that no one had the guts to ask Zirrack to repeat himself.

"Stop standing and pair yourselves into teams of 5." It was at this moment that everyone confirmed his previous statement.

'Let's not get our hopes high, because the team exercise could be worse.' Knowing how 'evil' Zirrack was, Blake couldn't for once let his guard down.

When the students had formed teams he went on to explain the instruction of the exercise.

"This is a capture the flag exercise. Each team will be facing 5 mechanical puppets that possess decent combat abilities and are able to use arcane spells." Zirrack said.

The exercise was aimed at increasing both the team's combat abilities and their coordination, but it sounded too easy especially since Zirrack was the one in charge of the exercise.

"In order to make things fair for the puppets, you can't make use of weapons or items and you are only allowed to use one of your elements. You are not allowed to kill your targets and neither are they allowed to kill you."

"If any member of your team get in contact with the flag, it is an automatic victory, but if the puppets touches yours it is a loss for your team."

'I think there is more to this exercise.' Blake thought.

Zirrack had explained the rules, but Blake felt that the necessary factors meant to make the exercise very difficult were still missing. Even the way he explained the rules were quite suspicious.

An example was the part where both sides were not allowed to kill each other, meaning the puppets had the ability to kill them, but were being held back.

"You all have 10 minutes to plan and decided what elements you are to use, because everyone is starting at the same time." Zirrack didn't plan on letting any team have the advantage by learning from the other's mistake.

"The only problem in deciding which element to use is with that of Tessie." Blake said while the team huddled up.

Blake obviously went with lightning element, Luciano with his golden flames, Castiel with darkness element, and Brian with earth element.

Tessie awakened the water as her primary element and plant element as her secondary. The problem was that the plant element would be more helpful, but her proficiency with water couldn't be overlooked.

"I think I will go with plant element, because if anything happens you guys can cover up for me." Tessie said.

"Since that has been decided, here are somethings you guys need to know." Blake began informing them about his discovery.

"Instructor Zirrack prohibited us from using weapons, items and any other element, but he didn't say we couldn't use arcane spells or battle arrays." The discovery made them nod with smiles on their faces.

After informing them of his discoveries, they went on to address the most important issue and that was their formation.

In an exercise like this, not everyone was meant to go after the flag because that would give the opponents the chance to snatch theirs.

"So, I am thinking of having Brian defend the flag, while Tessie and Castiel supports both the attack and defense with the plant and darkness combo. Then I and Luciano will be the offence." Blake suggested.

"Well, I don't see any problems with the formation, but let's try not to be too rigid. If you see an opportunity take it." Castiel said.

"Times up, all teams move to your battle grounds." Instructor Zirrack announced.

Blake's team moved to their designated battle grounds which had a red and a blue flag at each end. The battle ground spanned over 50 meters.

When they took their positions, 5 mechanical puppets were warped to the other end of the battle ground.

The 5 mechanical puppets were humanoid and made of some kind of special dark wood. They had 2 holes as eyes with red eyes beaming from them.

Unlike regular puppets that had metal balls as joints, these ones had no form of joints in sight, but they were moving exceptionally well.

"Is it only me that is creeped out by these things?" The appearance of the mechanical puppets sent chills down his spine.

"Alright guys time to get serious." When Blake saw the mechanical puppets he couldn't help but frown because things were about to get serious.