Aster has never had a proper duel before. Minor scuffles against unruly miscreants, sure. A casual spar against Oleander, yeah. An official duel? No. It was a totally new experience, an activity foreign to his curious mind. Combat has always been a passing fancy. An amusing fantasy yet something secondary to his ultimate goal.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"You're an idiot."

Aster's eyes quirked slightly at his friend's words. It's been an entire day since the proposal and Oleander hasn't stopped his tirade. He kind of deserved it. After all, he did ignore his friend's warning signs during his talk with Ala. Aster gave a small hum. "Some say there is a fine line between idiocy and audacity."

"Then you've crossed that line long ago."

Ouch. That hurts, Oleander. Do you have no trust in your best friend? Do you not take comfort in your friend's abilities? Taking risks is like his research. Big risks equals big rewards. The advancement of magic requires boldness! To live the life of the arcane, one must act impetuous when required.

After all, the greatest discoveries of magecraft needed an element of hardened mettle, a boldness that only researchers would dare to tread.

Challenges make the Wizard. An ideal he believed in wholeheartedly. A duel against the professor was an inevitable one. There is no doubting their intelligence but the bias against Hermits ran deep. Some of the staff would be tainted by its propaganda. Even paragons of magic aren't immune to the gilded cage that is society. It's a vice rooted in humanity's history, a presence not easily deterred by the ramblings of polymaths.

Aster immediately grabbed the experiment he was previously working on. A small collection of different species of dragon eggs along with the common chicken, and a sealed, circular transparent container with a small colony of bacteria residing within its plastic walls. Aster's eyes glanced towards the pacing redhead. "Tell me about Ala Barberry." The first step of any fight is to know the enemy.

"He is an odd Wizard." Oleander's tirade ended at the sight of Aster's work. Even he knew when to be serious, a trait that the Hermit appreciated. "He's smart as expected of a professor, but he's more known for his cunning. He never does anything without a plan."

Aster hummed at his words. Despite the brutish elements of a duel, this is still a clash of the minds. He groaned. He should have expected this. "His magical talent?"

"Exceptional." Oleander's eyebrows creased as he pondered in thought. "I've barely interacted with him, but he's a master in Spell Creation. His study is making brand new spells, most of them offensive."

Which coincides with his background as a combat instructor. Spell Creation is a field of magecraft that rarely gets specialized in. One needs to be above average in every other study of the arcane with an expert understanding of magical theory. Requirements that rarely anyone could achieve.

Apparently Ala mastered it. Prodigies, the lot of them.

Still...

"An average Wizard has three." Aster pointed out. He is no fool. Spell Creation is a field that requires the user to master more than one branch of the arcane. The polar opposite of Aster's specialization. It was one of the greatest of combat variety, the union of magical talent to give birth to a Wizard with a massive arsenal of spells.

A duel of both mind and body, a bout that challenges the philosophy of quantity versus quality.

Determination surged within him at the thought. Maybe this could alter the common belief that one specialization isn't a weakness. Highly unlikely but one could hope.

"I don't know the rest." Oleander admitted, a grim frown setting on his once neutral expression. "You could ask Emilia, she's known him far longer than I."

Ha! Good one, Oleander...

That's a joke right?

"No." Just in case. Talking to the Wizard Slayer? Not a chance. She's probably already heard from the rumor mill that seems to be nigh omniscient in this university. There was certainly a big enough crowd to witness the challenge. "She's a Magic Knight, she's probably helping the other side."

"She wouldn't help Ala even if it meant tarnishing Fernum-Magnum's reputation." Oleander snorted at his argument. "They're always at odds with each other." A sly smile graced his lips. Aster eyed said smile warily. "She'd probably be more than willing to help you though."

"More than willing to kill me, perhaps." Aster's hands shined in the familiar green light that showcased his magical aura. He put on a pair of nearby pure white gloves, his hands gently opening the bacterial container, physical contact bathing the glass in calm green with utmost fervor. Might as well start experimenting while they talk. "I'm a Hermit."

"And she's a professor." Oleander's smile didn't faze at his words. "The job doesn't make the person."

"The person makes the job." Aster quipped easily before focusing on the project before him. The colony seems to be growing just as expected. The growth phases are average but if he's bringing microorganisms to battle, a prokaryotic apoptosis feature should be mutated in. Aster's gaze shifted to his friend. "I've met Emilia before and said person is someone I do not want to mess with."

Hmm, mutate the bacteria on the soil? The duel is in the fields of Fernum-Magnum and there is no doubt billions if not trillions of viral and bacterial microorganisms just waiting to be manipulated into the proper strand. He would have to deal with cleaning up the newly mutated bacteria though and that is a pain to accomplish, especially in an uncontrolled environment.

"She's experienced though." The redhead waved his hands as if dismissing his words. Hey! Aster gave a valid point! "She knows Ala and she's fought both Hermits and Magic Knights alike. She could be valuable for this duel."

"I know my territory." Aster glanced pointedly towards the grinning heretic. If there's one thing that gave Hermits the upper hand against Magic Knights, it's their massive knowledge of the terrain. Hermits don't go to the Magic Knight.

No.

The Magic Knight goes to them. Hermits have the home advantage. Usually. Fernum-Magnum is still a foreign location to him and fighting inside a lab is a bad idea.

"You don't know your opponent." The redhead stepped closer to Aster. "You can counter Spell Creation but what of the others?"

Tch. Aster glared at the man. "Good point." Aster hated dealing with unknowns. The green glow from his experiment faded as he pondered Oleander's thoughts. He needed information. What is the professor's full capability? Unknown. Has he fought Hermits before? Highly probable. The man is confident, a kind of arrogance only born through brutal victories.

He's a trainer of Witch Hunters, Wizards clad with steel and power.

"Does Ala use a weapon?" Magic Knights always have a Salemium sword equipped. An annoying weapon that cuts through magecraft like a hot knife on butter.

"No, he's more of a traditional Wizard. Only spells."

His eyes widened at his words. "Really?" Aster's entire attention focused on the pondering Oleander. "Isn't he a Magic Knight?"

"Not really," the redhead shifted slightly at his gaze but nonetheless continued, "he's a researcher but his expertise on offensive magic allows him to teach combat classes." Oleander crossed his arms before sighing. "As expected of Fernum-Magnum, our students get exclusive spells created and taught originally by its creator."

Surprising. Exploitable.

A myriad of thoughts swam through his mind. Plans and theories surged his brain like a tidal wave. Something clicked within him and his body jumped into action. His hands grabbed his leather satchel as he dumped the collected eggs inside with careful grace. He grabbed a small stack of agar plates, a pair of gloves, and a container of seeds.

Aster grinned. He's got an idea.

"Oleander, we're going outside."

"Eh?!"

XXX

"Aster?" Beatrice was one of many students that were staring at the running pair of adults, the duo blitzing through the forming crowd as if enhanced with Augmented speed. The Hermit's ruffled brown hair and eyes was windswept as he raced towards his destination. Oleander followed after, the man's golden eyes widening as if he couldn't comprehend his friend's actions. Beatrice tracked their current movements with a calculating eye.

They seemed to be heading towards the Magic Knight barracks.

Odd.

Galahad tilted his head in confusion, something she could sympathize with. As expected of this university's rumor mill, there was no student alive that didn't hear about his confrontation with Professor Barberry. It was probably the only thing anyone talked about yesterday. Hell, James seemed to be highly energetic ever since the blonde watched the spectacle in person.

The man was probably responsible for half the rumors about Aster.

"Was that the Hermit?" A bespectacled girl watched on as the Hermit's form began diminishing from their sight. Alice gave a small smile towards Beatrice, her braided black hair waving at the small breeze that drifted gently outside of the Fernum-Magnum's vast green fields.

Beatrice gave a nod. "I wonder what he's doing."

"Something for the duel most likely." Alice adjusted her glasses. She gave a small sigh. "Familiarizing with the battlefield is a sound tactic." Beatrice nodded at her analysis. Probably one of the only reasons why Aster would ever go outside. Alice gave a frustrated hum, an action Beatrice caught with confusion. "Is another challenge really necessary though? The Hermit more than proved himself in his previous test."

Good point.

"Probably to curb the Hermit bias." Despite the introverted Wizard's achievements, there was still a silent minority that has been eyeing the Hermit with disdain. A lot of students were impressed and even wanted to talk to the man, the unique magical field spellbinding the entirety of the student body with its exotic effects.

Magic that can counter Salemium and Anti-Magic runes? Of course people are curious.

"The previous test curbed the Hermit bias significantly though." Alice frowned. "Why does he need to do more?"

"Who knows," a joyful voice spoke out. Beatrice rolled her eyes as she turned to the source. James smiled brightly at the attention before lazily striding towards them, "but I don't care. We get to see the Hermit in action again. Isn't this exciting?"

"Maybe." Alice frowned, but looked at the man in confusion. "I've never taken you as a big fan of the Hermit." Alice's eyes narrowed at his appearance.

James laughed. He waved his hands in dismissal. "No. Not a fan but you got to admit that Fernum-Magnum has never been this active. It's always been study, study, study, and even more studying." James feigned disgust at the repeated words. "Now, even the professors are excited. I swear I heard Professor Atalante betting with Mr. Rubrum."

"How unprofessional." Alice's frown became more prominent. "Professors shouldn't gamble in such an event. Think of the backlash that could potentially befall Fernum-Magnum."

"Alice." Beatrice smiled as she gently patted her shoulders. The petite girl eyed the action with bewilderment. "This is James we're talking about. Half of what he says are slander."

"True."

"Hey, I'm right here y'know..."

"Besides, Professor Barberry isn't particularly liked among the students or the professors." Too arrogant and he prioritized his research over the students' education. His achievements and skills are unmatched though. "I wouldn't be surprised if the staff was silently cheering for Aster."

Alice hummed in thought as James stroked his chin, a comfortable atmosphere descending upon them as they pondered the event's motives. After all the exciting energy that hummed around the place, Beatrice savored it.

Then another student decided to intrude.

"Where's Mr. Spinel?" The authoritative voice broke the contemplative silence. Diana strode in with the confidence befitting of her title. The woman frowned at the scene. Her royal blue eyes scanned their surprised faces. "I've heard that he was somewhere around here."

James pointed towards his right at the sleek concrete path heading to the barracks. Diana clicked her tongue as she grumbled darkly. Beatrice vaguely heard something about 'lessons','tardiness' and 'labs' before deciding to ignore the matter. Better to not open that can of worms entirel-

Wait.

Now that she thought about it, isn't Diana being taught under Aster?

"Do you need something from him?" Beatrice gazed at the irritated Diana with concern.

"You already know." Diana sighed, her hardened gaze breaking at the admission. James wisely shut his mouth when Diana glared at the man in warning. "I'm learning under him."

"You haven't properly talked to us about that." Alice's eyes sharpened as she stepped closer to the blonde noble. The petite girl's curiosity was truly a persistent thing.

"There's nothing to talk about." Diana's glare seemed to grow a hundred times stronger. "I'm interested in his magic. What else do you need to know?"

"Why?"

"I do not need to answer to you."

"You've answered before."

"It's a private affair." Diana stared defiantly back at Alice's uncompromising gaze. James shifted his attention between the two before looking at Beatrice for help. She gave a small shrug, turning to Galahad only for her twin to take a step back. No one wanted to stop them. Understandable. They're terrifying when they verbally spar.

Alice frowned at her words but conceded. Beatrice sighed in relief. For a minute, she thought she would've had to break them apart. She wisely changed the subject. "Why do you think they're going to the barracks?"

"The chosen battlefield is near the barracks." Alice reminded.

Good point and it would be a tactical move for Aster to understand the landscape, but Professor Barberry would have predicted that. The man has fought Hermits in the past, the guy practically boasted all his past accomplishments in the classroom. Barberry would probably rig the entire field just to counter a Hermit's natural advantage. "It won't be enough."

"No one knows the true potential of Mr. Spinel's Biological Manipulation." Diana crossed her arms, her harsh glare softening at the subject of her new teacher. "Everything we know about that magical field is outdated. Barberry knows nothing."

"True," James immediately jumped up at the talk of the duel, "but he can make a guess. The Hermit has already showed us some significant aspects of his magic. It shouldn't be too hard for Barberry to make an educated estimate."

Alice nodded at the blonde noble's words. "It would be better to overestimate the Hermit rather than to underestimate in this situation." Everyone underestimated Hermits. It was only natural considering the kingdom's negative views on them.

"Mr. Spinel will have no problem against Barberry." Diana's confident voice surprised the group. She spoke as if her very words are fact. What's with the sudden change of heart, Diana? Barberry is of higher standing than Aster, so shouldn't nobles side with those of higher blood? Diana must've seen their faces as she clicked her tongue before continuing, "It would look bad if my teacher would lose such an important battle."

"Ah," James nodded in supposed understanding, "so you're only supporting him because of your alignment with the Hermit?"

"Partially," Diana gave a noncommittal sigh, "I genuinely believe that Mr. Spinel has what it takes to surpass Barberry, but I will not lie if his victory would significantly benefit me as well."

"Barberry is strong." James challenged.

"Mr. Spinel is stronger." Diana met it head on. "His blood may be lower than dirt but his magic is true. Biological Manipulation will win out in the end."

"Is that a bet?"

"Pardon?"

Oh no.

"You sound so sure of yourself, Diana." James clarified, a sly grin blossoming on his energetic face. "Do you fancy your chances with the Hermit that much, so much so that you would willingly bet on it?"

"I do not need to lower myself to your level." Diana scoffed, her infamous glare stunning the group with baleful fervor. "There is no need to partake in unnecessary risks nor is there any desire to participate in your immature endeavors."

"So you aren't that confident in your dear teacher after all?"

"I am confident enough."

"So not that confident then."

"You wish to test me, peasant?"

"I'm a noble though."

"Then act like one."

"I am." James's smirk grew tenfold. "I'm taking advantage of this moment to gain more power for myself. We nobles are an opportunistic lot, aren't we?" He gave a bittersweet laugh at that, a note that caught the group by surprise. "Wouldn't you do the same? A bet is like any other tool. We use it akin to how a blacksmith uses an anvil. So it should be an easy offer for you, Diana." He waved his hands as if granting splendor. "Humor this noble, would you?"

"..." Diana watched the noble in front of her with curiosity before finally folding to the man's challenge. "I suppose. What are your demands?"

"If I win," James's excitement at her admission became nigh palpable, "you must bring us with you to one of your lessons." The entire group perked up at that thought. Meeting with the Hermit again doesn't sound that bad. In fact, Beatrice was almost excited at the prospect.

"Odd use of yourpower." Diana's caution to the oddity of the request also caught their attention. James shrugged at their stares.

"I want to meet him and see his power for myself." James raised his hands in consent. "In return, of course, if you win the bet, you'll have access to my family's resources for whatever ambition you see fit."

A tempting offer. James's family is extremely wealthy with claims to several Salemium and other anti-magic metal mines. His vast reserves could fit the entire school with enough supplies for months if not a few years.

"..."

Beatrice groaned at Diana's wavering will. Alice looked at the both of the blondes with a disapproving gaze before berating James for the immature offer. Honestly, what did she expect from the trio? The hostility that descended their group dissipated at the humorous hijinks that ensued. Galahad looked on at the active group with a smile, positively content with watching the company bicker about school life and recent events. What an innocent man.

Still, Beatrice grinned at their abnormal dynamic. She didn't expect to have such an odd group of friends but it was something that she wouldn't want to change any other way.

XXX

Emilia is a master of her craft. Superior combat abilities, superior reflexes, there was rarely anything that would catch her off guard. Despite her youthful looks, she made up for it with a surprising amount of experience. She's seen stuff. It would take an entire invasion on Fernum-Magnum to even contemplate the thought of being physically surprised.

Or so she thought.

"Greetings!"

She gave a small choke as she ungracefully swallowed the tea that she was calmly drinking from her table. They were sitting in one of the nearby polished wooden stands that were neatly aligned outside of the combat sector in Fernum-Magnum. A nice place to relax, enjoy the scenery while watching out for any troublemakers that may come their way.

She masked her shock with a gentle cough, her eyes widening at the appearance before her. Bwuah?!

One of the women beside her giggled softly at her stumble. Emilia glared at her friend. To be fair, seeing a Hermit outside is a rare sight, especially this Hermit in particular. She sighed, her head shaking before smiling warmly at the new visitors. "Oleander. Aster. What a...surprise to see you here."

Understatement.

"Emilia." Oleander made a polite smile. She rolled her eyes before turning towards Aster. The man's ruffled labcoat and disheveled hair yet determined and focused eyes radiated a rather roguish charm that surprisingly complemented well with the Hermit. Huh. How about that. Oleander nodded towards the women beside her. "Atalante. Margaret. It's nice to see you guys again."

"To you as well." Professor Atalante greeted back. The professor's odd green hair so light that it was almost the color of alabaster caught Aster's attention, along with the woman's deep purple eyes. She was an odd sight so unlike the woman beside her who had normal chestnut colored hair with a lighter hue that tinted her eyes. Atalante caught the Hermit's gaze. "You must be Aster." The woman smiled warmly. "I know this must be rather late, but welcome to Fernum-Magnum. We're glad to have you."

"I've been meaning to meet you." The chestnut haired woman, Margaret, piped up, the woman's eyes glittering with curious excitement. "I've never seen such a spectacular showing of magic before." If she wasn't seated, the professor might have invaded the poor Hermit's personal space. Emilia grinned at Aster's discomfort. "Biological Manipulation. Magnificent! I've read up on it, of course, but to think it could destroy Salemium! Tell me, did yo-"

"What do you want, Aster?" Emilia smiled as she interrupted her friend before she started spouting her long-winded theories. She'd be here all day if that happened. Aster sighed in relief at the interruption before nodding towards her. She nodded back.

"A favor." Aster frowned at the group, his eyes warily staring at her two friends. Aster, your introverted qualities are showing~. Emilia inwardly chuckled at the thought. "Though it seems I arrived at a rather inopportune time."

"Nonsense." Emilia dismissed his words. "We were just relaxing. Just a girl's day out if you will. Classes are over for now so we were enjoying the calm before the storm." She clasped her hands together before watching the uncomfortable Hermit. "What do you need?"

"You've heard of the rumors, correct?"

"Who hasn't?" Emilia quirked an eyebrow. Dueling Ala. Breaking that man's perspective would be a welcome sight. She would spectate it for sure.

Aster narrowed his eyes before rubbing his head in feigned frustration. "Gods damn Fernum-Magnum." He sighed before shaking his head. Stunned silence descended the group when he stared directly at her. "I need your help." Oh? A Hermit asking for her help? That's a first and judging by the other three's faces, they were surprised as well.

"Help with what?"

Aster's eyes darted towards the Salemium sword on her hip. He pointed at the weapon. "You're a teacher, correct? You should know what I want."

Oh my.

"You want to learn how to fight?" Emilia widened her eyes as the man nodded. Margaret and Atalante's reactions were similar in nature while Oleander took a sharp breath.

"Ala is expecting to fight a Hermit." Aster's eyes sparked with ethereal green magic. A roguish smirk sprouted on his lips. "He's gathered enough data from watching my test to estimate my capabilities. He's confident in fighting my kind, but...he won't be expecting a Magic Knight." He waved his hands towards them. "I have a plan but I cannot say more without privacy."

Curious. Very curious. He didn't look at her friends warily because of shyness but because of his intentions. She read him wrong. How amusing. She inwardly chided herself for the mistake before giving a warning look towards the two female professors. They took the hint and nodded. Good. Aster needs privacy and she's willing to give it to him.

"I know just the place."

XXX

Aster's hands tightened on his satchel. He inspected the neatly aligned rows of weaponry with curiosity. There were all kinds ranging from long swords to maces to focus staves, most of them made with some kind of anti-magic metal. Salemium, Urbraite, Gillephyte, there were even some pro-arcane materials such as Magikalcum. The amount of materials here were astonishing.

They were situated in an extremely large room, a rectangular pedestal akin to the stadium in Fernum-Magnum was based in the center of the room. Wooden and metallic dummies were strewn around the walls along with a few tables and other items. It didn't take a genius to figure out that this was a private training room. For the professors? Highly probable. Most of their needs get taken care of. He was almost jealous.

Almost.

"Is this okay, Aster?" Emilia picked up a long sword in one of the stands, testing the weight before deciding to pick another blade. Atalante and Margaret sat in the stands, spectating while Oleander was looking at the weapons in interest.

"It's more than okay." Aster picked up a sword. The blade shined in ominous black. Gillephyte. Weaker than Salemium but it's extremely durable. Heavy too. His lithe frame could barely hold it in one hand. He put it back.

"I was surprised you know," Emilia smiled, "I didn't expect you to come outside until the end of the week, with more new, surprising spells from your unique craft to awe us with."

"Hermits adapt." They have to or else society would've buried them long ago.

"So I've learned." Emilia acknowledged with a nod. "How are you going to adapt to this one though, dear Hermit?" What exactly was his plan? A thought that he noticed all four professors have.

He pondered in silence. How should he say this. "It's more of a theoretical conclusion than a plan." He had to make assumptions, which isn't a satisfactory as cold, hard facts. "I want to apply a more...abstract method of combating Ala."

"Close-combat." Emilia concluded, her eyes judging. "You think because Ala is a traditional Wizard that he would easily be felled by swords?"

"No." Aster's blunt answer caught her interest. "I am not ignorant enough to rely on one advantage against one of your ilk." He crossed his arms. "I am also not ignorant of the fact that I have no combat experience whatsoever. My plan was to combine two advantages to cancel the known disadvantages. To hit two birds with one stone, you could say."

"You're implementing a Hermit's ingenuity with a Magic Knight's fighting prowess." Margaret's voice was awed with realization. Emilia's eyes widened at her friend's words. The brown haired professor's revelation silenced them.

To hybridize two social classes of the opposite spectrum. To attempt to even fuse the two opposing sides to create...well, a hybrid.

How fitting for someone with his type of magic.

"I have schemes." Aster grinned. "I have plans, plots, contingencies befitting of my magic, but I can't rely on my Hermit skills alone. I would like to have a back-up plan just in case my magecraft fails me." Of course, he will continue using his mind to trick Ala's mind games. He already has ideas concerning the eggs that he's been experimenting on, but his recent connection with Emilia, one of the strongest of Erasma's Magic Knights...

Well, isn't that a resource he could exploit?

Emilia hummed in apparent approval. He didn't know. It's hard enough talking to a Witch Hunter. Understanding her body language is practically impossible. He glanced at Oleander who was weighing a Salemium blade in one hand. The redhead smiled as he tested the sword. Great, his friend already found a weapon. Aster picked up another long sword, different material.

Urbraite, a sleek light green metal. The weakest in terms of anti-magic and fragile compared to the other two. Extremely light though. The weapon still weighed heavily on him. He inwardly whined. Curse his physically weak body!

He sighed. It's good enough.

"Do you mind if I train as well?" Oleander asked. To Aster's surprise, a childish excitement danced in his golden eyes. He looked at the Salemium blade with intrigue.

"Not at all." Emilia nodded before turning towards him. "You have fine words, Aster but let's see if it holds up." She closed the distance between them, her face close to his. "Is your bark worse than your bite, I wonder?" Her tone was close to teasing. He backed away. Too close. Very close.

"Yes."

She laughed before walking towards the center stage. She gave a sly stare. Aster sighed before following behind her. He could hear his friend's encouraging words but it felt muted when he eyed the blonde opponent in front of him.

This is going to suck.