SCHOOL

“What. Do. You. Mean. School?”

Panting every breath, Michael continued hitting different parts of the scarecrow with his wooden curved blade in his right hand, whilst having his left hand swing his wooden dagger to perform set patterns in the air. He backed up and moved forward with every blow and didn’t miss a beat. This was done in order to practise his hand-eye coordination with each hand separately, as well as to give lessons on footwork. He’d been taught that if he couldn’t use both hand simultaneously for different actions, then he should stick to a two handed weapon instead. Also that a warrior must never stand on one spot for very long unless he had a shield.

Square, Triangle, Circle, Pentagon, Circle, Square, Triangle. Out of the corner of Michael’s eye he saw his Father lift up different cards with a specific shape on it. Michael needed to use his left hand to make these shapes and his concentration was being stretched. Now he was being told…

“School. You’re gonna be 5 next month, which means School. The Church of Information gave a passionate speech some centuries ago, about how children should receive a formal education in order to become adequate members of society. Basically they will teach you how the world runs. Nothing too bad.”

Switching to a pentagon, Aaron gave Michael a sincere smile to match the words. Michael didn’t fall for it as he swung his sword down and did the pattern at the same time. School would mean more work for him. Already he was swamped with exercises from training, studying and practical use of skills for Alchemy, and his mother had told him the day before that he would start learning her real skills. Where would he find the time to learn Magic?

“When. Does. It. Start? When. I. Turn. Five?”

“Nope, tomorrow.”

“Grah!”

Missing the target, Michael’s stance broke as his hit went wide. Tripping over his own feet, Michael’s body fell on top of the dummy and he just leaned on it for a while. If felt rather comfortable, half-standing and half-leaning on the thing. A sharp tap on his head brought him back to reality and his body creaked as he got back up.

“Hrm, I guess we can finish for the day. Its almost dark and your mother wants to speak with you. Go grab something light before going to her.”

Nodding, Michael scrambled down the stairs. The newfound energy in Michael made Aaron smile as he picked up the equipment.

Grabbing a plate, Michael made a sandwich with the leftover meat from the midday meal and grabbed a glass of juice. Wolfing it down only took a few minutes, and after he downed the drink he was soon heading back upstairs to meet his mother. Seeing her door slightly open, he didn’t bother knocking as he entered the room.

A gust of cool air whirled around him and Michael stood gaping at his mother’s work. She was manipulating ice in her gloved hand and creating a small funnel with a longer tube than normal. With that in one hand, she picked up a metal pot and poured a steaming hot liquid through the funnel. To Michael’s surprise the funnel kept its frozen shape and the red liquid changed to a blue-purple tone after it passes through the funnel and into a glass container. She didn’t seem surprised Michael was there when she spoke.

“Please wait a minute dear. I just need to place this somewhere safe.”

Keeping her distance, Celia picked up the container with wooden clamps, which she carefully placed in a special closet that was reserved for special objects. The padding in the closet was thick and tight around the container. Michael had been told that nothing short of a 500 strength blow could damage the insides. Turning, she removed her gloves and other protective clothing before giving her son a large grin.

“So, are you ready to learn?”

A short nod and grin from Michael and she wiped her grin. Blank as stone, her expression was one of business, not fun and games.

“Good, first is to step into my office. Let me by, let me by…”

Being led back into the hall, Michael tried to imagine her office. He had been in every room in the house except the basement - his father’s office - but he had never seen a room that could be called his mother’s office.

In the hallway they stayed outside the alchemy room door. Well, Celia didn’t move further down either direction of the hall and Michael had to follow her anyways, so they stayed there. Walking to the other side of the alchemy room door, Celia raised a hand and touched the wall. She gripped something in her hands and then turned it. To Michael’s shock a door materialized out of the wall and opened; his Mother’s hand had gripped a previously invisible door knob.

“I’ll add you to the list of people who can actually see and touch this door. Any other person would see nothing and even if they slip their hand all over the wall, they wouldn’t find the door knob. Now come in and seat yourself...wherever.”

Entering, Michael gaped at the size of the room. Stretching further than any room he had seen before, Michael looked up and couldn’t even see the ceiling through the dense forestry inside the room. The two of them walked a considerable distance into the room and Michael was sure they walked half the length of the training floor.

The entire room seemed to house different varieties of trees and plants. A small flower garden could be seen near the entrance, and the trees were altogether different from the ones that were supposed to be grown in the area. Orange and Apple trees were grouped in one area, pine trees and banana trees in another. Michael was even sure he saw a coconut tree somewhere to the side. Pineapple bushes, berry bushes of every assortment, and there were even some plants he hadn’t even read about.

Reaching a small clearing, Michael was amazed to find that the trees had formed themselves into living furniture. Two tree trunks had twisted to become makeshift shelves for various other potted plants, and there was a large table that grew between two intertwining trees. There was a chair formed from a tree’s root, and Michael was amazed to see another two chairs being formed right in front of his eyes. Only now did Michael notice that the area had sunlight, even though it was evening.

“This is my ‘Green Magic’. I send Mana into plants to help them grow and keep them alive outside of their natural habitats.

“This is hereditary magic, do you know what that means? It means only you and I could use it; in this family at least. Your Father cannot. Nor can other people. This is the best gift I could give you. What do you think? Better than your Father?”

Urgh. These types of questions never end well. Michael decided to appear a little distracted by the rather extraordinary table instead of answering. It was an impressive piece though. Smooth and solid, the tree would not have been shaved smooth like a regular piece. Instead it must have been grown to such a fine state. Would that mean he would be able to do the same if he learned that magic?

Thinking about the applications for the magic, Michael kept staring at the table until his Mother whacked him on the forehead. She had started to grow sullen at the lack of attention and was almost about to destroy the table in jealousy.

“Pay attention Michael! Haa, guess we should start the practical usage first. It’s too late for you to start studying. Get off the chair and sit cross legged on the ground and place your hands on your knees…perfect.”

Putting himself in the proper stance, Michael waited for his mother to continue. Indeed, he already felt a little tired since it was dark already. He was glad they wouldn’t start studying, and instead went straight to using Magic. After spending two years before being able to make a weak potion, Michael really did not wish for the same sort of schedule.

“Comfortable? Alright. First thing is to control your breathing. Focus on each breath, and make sure each breath is even in length. Listen to my voice and clear all other thoughts but your breathing.”

Following her orders, Michael cleared his head rather quickly. Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat. Soon Michael felt aware of his surroundings, but he didn’t dwell on the feeling. Only kept breathing.

“Good, now the difficult part. You must focus on your surroundings while keeping your mind calm. Don’t open your eyes. Use your calm mind to try and see your surroundings.”

This really was difficult. His mother’s instructions were vague at best and Michael didn’t even understand what he was looking for. Still, it was Magic. Michael continued his breathing and kept that focus separate from his task of searching the surroundings. Michael kept at it and tried to figure out what he was-

With a gasp, Michael found it. He could see a form where his Mother should have been. Not a human form, but some kind of ball of Green light, covered by a layer of other colours. Broadening his focus, he could see an abundant Green and Blue and Brown colours surrounding him. Only then did he realise that the colours represented the objects around him. His mother had very high Green Magic, but she had a tiny bit of the others as well. Then Michael tried to look within himself.

At the first layer of his self was a chaotic scrambling between four colours. Red fought to stay alive from Blue. Blue got absorbed and dispersed by Brown. Brown stayed stoic against battering attacks from a Clear colour. And then that Clear colour fueled Red and kept it alive. A maelstrom of attacks and defending, recovering and rebuffing.

Michael was cut off from the chaos when he got shaken hard. Then his mind fully cleared when a full handed slap hit the side of his cheek. He would have reeled off his seat if a hand wasn’t already holding him ready.

“Ow, ow ow ow, grrrr! Why?”

Glaring at the perpetrator - his mother - Michael screamed the question out loud. He had been caught unawares so the slap hurt quite a bit. Michael scrubbed tears from his eyes as he kept clutching his cheek. What angered him more, was how happy his mother still was.

“Aw, Michael’s so cute when he tears up. Why did I slap you? Cause you weren’t listening to me and looked like you were sleeping.”

Her smile at the end was scary and Michael scrambled with his explanation.

“I-I wasn’t asleep! I followed your instructions and did it! I could see you with my eyes closed. You were Green and rainbowish, and the furniture was also Green. And then I looked inside myself and saw...saw...I can’t explain...”

Celia kept her stern expression but she was ecstatic on the inside. It had only been 15 minutes but Michael had already been able to see Mana. He had also easily delved into himself. Celia couldn’t help but feel both proud and a little scared at his potential. Still, Michael’s sad look was...

“Alright alright. Ohh you’re so cute when you pout. I’ll just give some more information into Green Magic. The only ones who could use this are hereditary members, like I said before. These members are grouped under the name ‘Green-Singers’. We don’t actually sing to plants, its just a name we’re known for.

“Nature Magic was the domain of the Elves and Fey in the past. Humans were denied access to the Lady of the Land’s magic and the Human worshippers wanted more. So they, and a few specific members of other races, went and begged the Elves and Fey for their help in strengthening their connection with the Goddess.

“Initially put off, the Elves and Fey came to an agreement with the other worshippers. If they promised never to spread the Magic around too much, then the worshippers will gain access to the magic. This meant that families were usually limited to one child…”

Her eyes misting for a bit, Celia quickly rubbed her eyes and continued her explanation.

“A blood oath was required and soon enough, a ceremony was underway.

“Using the essence of Feys and the blood of Elves, the worshippers were granted access to Nature magic. Not to any strong degree like the Elves and Fey, but just enough use Green Magic.

“Well I was only going to take the day to teach you to see Mana. Since you managed to get it early, I guess I’ll let you sleep early today. You do have school tomorrow so...”

Nodding, Michael got up from his seat and hugged his Mother good night. She returned it and watched as he went through the foliage, in the direction of the far entrance. Turning, she went to her desk and opened her schedule up. Michael’s lessons would have to be accelerated a little. Smiling, Celia spend the next few hours fixing up her plans.

“Good Morning class. I am Bishop Francis and welcome to the start of the new school year. Now, has anyone not already learned from the Language Comprehension Skill Book? Yes? Ah, please come up and line up to learn it then.”

Weary, Michael stayed in his seat along with three other children. He had stayed awake for most of the night, nervous about interacting with kids his own age. He had remembered the playmates he had when he was very young, and was thoroughly unimpressed by them; but his was different. This time the kids were bigger, smarter, and could keep their attention for much longer.

Michael had been woken early for the regular morning exercises with his father and was quite refreshed afterwards. A quick meal later and then Michael was taken to the Church of Information by Lucy. The Church was an hour travel from the house, and the two went quite unnoticed. Michael was dressed in clean but quite normal clothing and Lucy was also dressed in an outdoor dress instead of her usual maid attire.

The Church of Information was the largest building in the city. Actually it wasn’t one building but several built close to one another; each of them serving a different function for the Church or the City. There was the main Church building where official ceremonies were held; the school where Michael was headed; the Library which was filled to the brim with the Church’s knowledge; and the Hospital, where a few clerics from every other Church in the city gathered to heal anyone for a miniscule price. There was also an ‘All Cure’ section that dealt with healing criminals that were brought in.

The Church School was a large building built to house the many youths of the entire city. Comprised of five levels, every level took in a different year group. Ages 4-5 took the low floor rooms while ages 9-10 took the top floor. A child stays in school until they reach the age of 10 and goes through their Changing Day ceremony. Michael was placed in the 4-5 age group and was only a regular kid among others his own age. He was further placed in one of the five classes, the furthest from the entrance, and his teacher was a middle-aged Bishop by the name of Francis.

“Alright, please sit down and listen. First subject we shall study today is the limits of our bodies. If everyone can open their status screens please. Just say ‘Show Status’.”

“““““SHOW STATUS””””

StatusNameMichaelAge4Level1Class-Fame0-100Infamy0TitleTarget of EnvyGuild-Health310Mana410Stamina360

Strength33 + 10Dexterity24Vitality24 + 10Intelligence34Wisdom37Mana Control5Critical Chance0.05%Agility35 + 20Concentration55Willpower17Charisma15 + 20

[p=left]Special Skills and bonuses:

‘Target of Envy’ grants:

+20 to Charisma.

+20 to Agility.

+10 to Strength.

+10 to Vitality.

-100 Fame.[/p]

“Now, today’s class is mainly to check out the individual stats. If everyone can say ‘Check Strength’, we shall start off with the easiest. Strength is a stat that values how strong a person is. It has no real effect on a person’s physique and instead it shows the inherent power the person has. It is quite easy to see a Skeleton lift as much as an Orc as long as it has the stats. Hohohoho…”

Smiling at the thought, the Bishop turned around and wrote ‘Strength’ on the blackboard behind him. His flowing writing was easy to read and he did it smoothly, if not quickly. He wrote the explanation for Strength under it. Surprisingly, he continued to write more after strength; he wrote until he had 6 other stats along with their explanations on the board*.

Finished, he turned back to the class.

“These are the 7 basic stats a person has. When you accomplish specific tasks or Learn from specific skill books, you will gain more stats. Some stats can be increased using Free Stat Points, while others must be increased by different means.

“What is Free Stat Points? FSP is something granted to us as we Age or Level. Since you are young, you are not granted the ability to use these points yet. Only when you reach an appropriate age, and go through the Changing Ceremony, would you be allowed to use them.

“Now, for the next few days, we will examine each stat and discuss ways we may increase them. It takes hard work to do so, but it’s always better to find the best way to train. Along with that, we will find ways to use each of these stats. That means we will talk about which classes or jobs would benefit from which stats.

“First thing to do though is for us to introduce one another. These will be your classmates for the next 5 years so its best to get this over with. I’ll start, and then this young lady will be next.

“My name is Bishop Francis. My Class is a Cleric and I have reached Expert in the arts of Healing. I like reading and writing about the lives of historically powerful people. I hope to one day write about one of you. Now you dear. You can just say your name and what you like.”

The Bishop directed a kindly smile at the girl to the far right of the first row. She jumped out of her seat and in a stiff backed pose, she was close to yelling her introduction.

“I-I am Marcy! I-I like to draw and play with my sisters. And I like dolls, and clothes, and...and…”

The rest of the class went mostly the same. What caught Michael’s bored attention was a pair of rather large boys in the middle of the introductions.

“My name is Grantaloon, but just call me Grant. I like battles and wars and weapons. I wish to become a grand Knight when I choose my Class.”

“My name is Kenneth, but you can call me Ken. I wish to be a Knight, then become a general! I already have a bunch of weapons to practice with.”

Both of them were bigger than anyone else in the class. Michael was also of average stature and was quite small compared to the two. Both of them lacked the broad shoulders and physique of anyone in tip-top shape and their faces were heavy with features. Michael still doubted he could take them on, so he decided not to mess with them. Scary bunch.

Soon enough, Michael’s turn came up and he stood. Situated at the far corner of the room, Michael was the last to introduce himself and the other kids didn’t even bother to pay attention anymore. Michael straightened his back and pushed out his chest. He squared his features and breathed in deep. These were the instructions his father had generously given him before he left the house and Michael could feel how effective it was at calming him. He opened his mouth and spoke in a moderate sounding voice.

“My name is Michael Kane. I like my parents and morning training. I wish to be an Adventurer. I do not have a Class chosen yet.”

Sitting down, Michael finally noticed that the entire class had stopped what they were doing to pay attention what what he said. Embarrassed, Michael straightened in his seat and stared at the teacher. Bishop Francis gave a start soon enough and called attention back to himself. Michael quietly sighed as the looks went off him and back to their teacher. Only Grant and Ken seemed to still be staring at him and Michael was cursing whatever made everyone pay attention to him.

After a class of lectures, Michael stood up and stretched. Everyone else was talking to a friend or two and Michael revelled in the pleasure that stretching gave him. Sitting for hours on end was fine and all, but Michael was used to moving around as he studied. Shaking his head ruefully, Michael tucked his chair back under the desk and walked to the entrance of the room. The Bishop had already left and the room was clearing fast. Soon enough he was the last one in the room and glad for the silence. The parents and supervisors would be waiting at the entrance to pick up their kids.

There were 5 rooms between the entrance and Michael’s class. It made for an oddly shaped building, but Michael didn’t mind the walk. His house was still bigger than the school so he was used to the distance. The rooms were numbered from 1 to 5 and there was a floor washroom between room 2 and 3. Since the classes were scheduled at different times each week, Michael did not meet any other students but himself.

After passing room 3, Michael asked himself whether he needed to relieve himself or not. Deciding no, Michael walked leisurely passed the restroom when-

A sharp pain on his head was the last thing he could feel before staggering to the ground. He was grabbed roughly from behind and, not being able to do anything, was dragged off into the washroom. Michael didn’t even bother trying to cry out. He had been happy walking down the hallway since there wasn’t anyone around him. How he missed a person creeping up behind him was a mystery.

Hearing a door slam shut, Michael was pretty sure the assailant had locked in the restroom doors. Michael was thrown to the rough ground and only then could he see his attacker. Attackers. Two familiar large boys were looming over him. They sneered to each other.

“This the Kane boy? Don’t seem all that important. Why do you suppose our parents told us not to touch ‘em?”

“Dunno. They seemed to think the world of the Kanes. All I see is a skinny baby. Did you see the glare he was giving us earlier?”

“Yea, we should do something about that! Nothing worse than a kid thinking he could glare at Knight-to-bes like us. Hey, he may even grow up to be a bandit too. We should stop this type of thinking early!”

“Haha, you have the rope right? I’ll hold him down.”

Struggling to get out of the room, Michael was kicked in the back by Grant. His weight and a little Strength made the kick very heavy, and Michael took quite a bit of damage. The foot stayed on him to keep him down but there really wasn’t a need for that. Pain had blossomed in his chest and face and he barely felt it when his hands got tied. Soon his feet were also tied and then they tied the rope a few times around his body before putting a leash around his neck and connecting it to the sink tap.

“Haha, maybe he’ll be lucky and someone will be able to find him before tomorrow.”

“Ha, I doubt it. No one comes here at night.”

“Hahaha. Hey wait up for me. I gotta take a piss.”

“No need to go anywhere. Just do it on the baby. We can purify him this way!”

““HAHAHA””

Leaving Michael in the depths of the washroom, Grant and Ken exited the room with barely a care. Michael was on the ground seething from the attack though. I was glaring at them!? And they decided that was a good enough reason to attack me? Knights-to-be my arse. They’re far more likely to be bandits. Wet and tired, Michael focused on breathing through his mouth.

Anger grew in Michael’s heart as he struggled in the bonds. A normal kid would probably have cried or prayed for help. Maybe even wet their pants after being bullied in such a way, or after trying the bonds and testing the strength. Not Michael. He would have roared if he thought it would do any good. Instead, he struggled in the bonds with a fury and his movements became more and more deranged.

Damnit, damnit, damnit. DAMNITDAMNITDAMNITDAMNITDAMNITDAMNIT. WHO THE HELL DO THOSE KIDS THINK THEY’RE MESSING WITH!

A few boxes popped up in front of Michael but he ignored them. Instead his rage grew in intensity as he struggled. Lying on his back, Michael tensed his muscles and strained at the ropes. This time he did yell. His body quivered with rage and he pulled at the ropes constantly. Soon the beautiful sound of snapping could be heard and Michael redoubled his actions. Like a whip, the ropes snapped off Michael and his hands were finally freed. Michael clumsily untied the ropes at his legs and feet and then unleashed himself. It was night outside and raining, but he was still too angry to think about it.

Exiting the school, he was met by Lucy. She carried a hand woven umbrella to block out the rain and she opened to cover Michael. She was about to ask what had happened but a sharp look from Michael cut her off. She had never seen him angry. His eyes seemed to hold embers though and she decided to ignore the rope burn that she could see on his wrists and neck.

Michael declined the umbrella and walked in the rain. Only then did Lucy smell the stink on him and she frowned at what must have happened. Michael saw her reaction and his anger redoubled. Only when they were a few blocks from the house did Lucy finally think what her masters would think…

“Lucy. Don’t come in with me yet. I’ll sneak in...for obvious reasons. If my parents ask for me, just tell them I’m tired and sleeping early today. Tell my Father I’ll be training with him tomorrow. Mother too.”

“Yes young master.”

Michael’s cold voice brook no argument and Lucy was both relieved and saddened. Michael was probably gonna handle everything himself and she didn’t think that was truly a good idea. She didn’t think relying on parents all the time was a good idea either, but she did wish he would ask for her help at least. She sighed as she watched Michael walk through the rain, not even surprised when he soon disappeared from sight.

The boxes that Michael had ignored before.

Rage fills you. Pity that it is at so early an age... You have unlocked the skill ‘Rage Release’. You have unlocked the stat ‘Stored Rage’. Dispose of that anger through useful means...

Rage Release. Beginner level 0 (80%)[p=left]Your rage from the past returns in a burst of power. Release your bottled up feelings and allow it to wash over you. Dye the battlefield in the colour of Rage.

Using the skill normally will permanently consume the ‘Stored Rage’ stat. Every 10 seconds of use will take up 1 ‘Stored Rage’ stat. Normal use of the skill will boost all stats by 10%.

Increasing the usage and stat increase will consume more of the ‘Stored Rage’ and increase the effects of the skill. Overuse will cause you to go Berserk.

Berserk: ‘Stored Rage’ will not decrease but you will not be able to differentiate between friend or foe. Strength increases as damage taken increases. Health is recovered at triple rate. Cannot be debuffed in this state. Cannot be healed in this state.[/p]

Gained +5 ‘Stored Rage’

Gained +10 ‘Stored Rage’

You have used ‘Rage Release’. Increased usage to 40%. You have lost 8 ‘Stored Rage’.

Gained +3 ‘Stored Rage’.

Gained +15 ‘Stored Rage’.

Aaron pounded the table with his fist, making a large dent that would mean hours of work to fix. Seeing Michael being manhandled by walking pigs made him want to attack and make bacon for breakfast tomorrow. It’s good that his sanity was still intact and he knew attacking children before eating them would be looked down upon. Maybe after…

The real reason Aaron didn’t go on a violent spree was the look in Michael’s eyes. Even through the crystal ball, Aaron could see the fire burning there. Aaron had to admit that Michael had grown up in a soft environment. Some conflict like this would definitely help in that regard.

Still… Aaron had to really struggle to keep from going to comfort his hurt son. He was glad that Lucy was following Michael’s orders. It wouldn’t be good to have conflicting masters, but Michael would do good to have an ally by his side. Aaron seethed at the antics of the bullies but he had already made up his mind not to do anything himself.

Before Aaron stopped his watch over his son, he decided not to tell his wife about what had happened. Instead, he would ask the Church to transfer those two piglets to a different class. Michael needs an uninterrupted growing time. It wouldn’t do to have him being tied up every day.

“Valerie, get me the information on these two and their families. Also have a contact from the Church on hold.”

“Yes sir.”

Aaron had spoken out loud in the empty room and got his reply quickly. It was time for Aaron Kane to take a hand in his son’s education.

The Church of Information schools are not social institutions. Rarely is there any event that requires the entire student body to participate in. Instead, the school focuses on achieving its goal of giving information to the students. Whether the student listens or not isn’t the problem of the teachers. Complaints from parents to the Church usually go ignored unless the teacher does something very different from their task.

This does not mean that the teachers are apathetic. Teachers are generally chosen based on their disposition towards children. Having a bad tempered teacher who dislikes children does not make for a proper place of study. Since genial teachers promote good work and studies, they are usually the ones that watch over the students.

This, of course, means that students would need to quickly grow up mentally as they participate in school. Pranks and jokes, laziness and a slovenly attitude. These traits would be frowned upon in the school. It is said that once a child goes through their school phase, they stick with the personality they’ve developed for the rest of their lives.

The next morning, Michael told his Father to increase his training. Surprised that he didn’t need to answer any curious questions, Michael was put through a grueling regimen that left him near lifeless at the end. He happily watched as his stats increased slightly and redoubled his efforts every time.

After he was finished and had a small meal, Michael was dressed and ready to start another day at school. He had school 3 days in a row and it lasted from the mid morning to almost evening.

Michael was ready to confront those bullies properly this time. If nothing else, he would at least damage them this time. To his surprise though, the two were nowhere to be seen and instead were replaced with 2 new students.

“Please take a seat class. I shall be introducing these two new students. Grant and Ken have both decided to take the different classes due to a better schedule. That means they like going to school at a different time than now.”

At this, Bishop Francis made a quick glance at Michael, but luckily no one else noticed. They were either too absorbed in staring at the new students or just generally daydreaming. Michael himself was too absorbed in thinking about yesterday. Did Lucy tell his parents and they had the two moved? No, based off his parent’s personalities they would have been all over him this morning, or even last night. A coincidence then? Michael doubted the two even cared about him.

Still, faced with the sudden realization that they would not bother him anymore, Michael let out a relieved sigh. After the sigh however, he clenched his hands and turned red. What was he doing? He was glad that the two were gone? Was that a measurement of how weak he was? No, Michael decided then and there that he would get strong enough to handle problems himself. Just cause of a little piss and getting tied up, Michael got scared. Never again.

Hearing the teacher finish the introductions seeing that he was about to start the lecture, Michael perked up in his seat and made sure to pay attention. Even in school Michael could learn something that should make him stronger. Even something useful would be good.

“Today we were supposed to go over information of how to increase our stats. This has been changed to something more practical. If everyone can open your life options with the command ‘Show Options.”

““““Show Options.””””

Options (NPC Edition)LifeSightShowHide

“Now look at the screen and you should see ‘Options (NPC Edition)’ at the top. NPC refers to us, and our order has decided that it should mean ‘Normal Pieces of the Continent.’ The Goddess Janira has also approved of this name while also hinting at how there will be ‘Abnormal Pieces of the Continent’ that will appear. Hopefully this will be far into the future.

“Now, under the heading, you should see four words. Life, Sight, Show, and Hide. Ignoring Life for now, we are going to be examining Sight, Show, and Hide. These are the more practical options and will be useful for everyone.

“First will be Sight. Opening Sight will show various options that are currently off. Health, Mana, and Stamina will be the only things available to you young ones. When you turn these on, you will be able to see a red, blue, or yellow bar at the top of your vision. At the bottom of the options is a ‘Position’ option and that allows you to change the location of these bars. Now, these bars represent the approximate amount of Health, Mana, and Stamina you currently have. As you deplete these three, you will notice that the bars will also start to empty. Red represents Health, Blue for Mana, and Yellow for Stamina.

“Pay attention to these options if you wish to choose an active class. Combat classes and Magic users will need to pay attention to these options the most. Being able to see how much Health they have, or how much Mana will be left over; I hope I don’t have to say why this is important… Ah, I forgot you are only children. Alright, the reasons you need to pay attention to these is because…”

Michael immediately opened the ‘Sight’ part of options.

“Open Sight”

Options (NPC Edition)LifeSightShowHide

-Sight--HealthOFFManaOFFStaminaOFFStored RageOFFUnknownOFFPositionTOPTransparencyFULL

“Change Health: On, Change Mana: On, Change Stamina: On.”

Although Michael was wondering what ‘Stored Rage’ was, he ignored it and put on Health, Mana, and Stamina. Immediately 3 small bars were stacked at the top of his vision. Happy, Michael wondered if he could change the position of it. He also questioned what the ‘Transparency’ option was for. Ignoring the teacher’s continued lecture of why Health and Mana and Stamina would benefit classes, Michael started his own self-study of Options.

“Show Transparency.”

Transparency allows for the user to change how distinguishable the status bars are. At full status, the bars are not see through and block a small portion of vision. At the minimum level, which is 30%, the bars are moderately see through and the user can still see the view behind it. Experiment to test how much transparency is needed.

Interesting. Michael wondered what this really meant and decided to try it out. He didn’t understand percentages, but he knew the definitions of maximum and minimum. He also didn’t like how the bars were at the top of his vision.

“Change Position: Top Left Corner. Change Transparency: Minimum.”

Options (NPC Edition)LifeSightShowHide

-Sight--HealthONManaONStaminaONStored RageOFFUnknownOFFPositionTOP LEFT CORNERTransparency30%

Amazed, Michael smiled at the changes. His bars were placed in the top left corner of his vision now, and it was also very light. He could now see through it and he felt that he wouldn’t get blocked by it anymore.

Michael noticed that the teacher was about to finish his talk and so he tuned himself back into the discussion.

“...and that is why it is important for those classes. Next will be the ‘Show’ option. The Show option is mainly used by Knights and displays the public information. Knights are classes that revolve around their Honor and Justice stat. These two stats can be checked by officials in cities, or by other Knights. The ‘Show’ option allows a person to change if a person allows for these stats to be shown. It isn’t very important but it is useful for those classes.

“Lastly is the ‘Hide’ option. This is an option to change what part of your status will be shown to others. Used mainly by the Nobility and some Rogues, the option can be changed to hide or show your class, level, age, status, and others. For the rest of the day, I want you all to open your ‘Hide’ option and experiment with different statuses. To see your status as others do, just say ‘Show Self’.”

Experimenting with it himself, Michael ignored the gradual increase in noise that the class started to generate. Seated in the back of the class, Michael was too far away to receive personal help from the teacher, so his decision to work on it himself seemed to be a good proactive attitude for the young child.

“Open Hide.”

Options (NPC Edition)LifeSightShowHide

---HideAgeONRaceONClassONGuildONFameONInfamyONHealthONManaONStaminaOFFStored RageOFFStatusONStatsOFFCommand:

‘Show All to -’MINIMUM

“Change Class: OFF. Change Guild: OFF. Change Health: OFF. Change Mana: OFF. Show Self.”

Michael’s StatusAge4RaceHumanFame0Infamy-

Status[p=left]Normal[/p]

Rather used to the options now, Michael continued his experiments for the rest of the class. Seeing as how he didn’t have any stats that the ‘Show’ option could cover, Michael messed around with ‘Sight’ and ‘Hide’.

Curiosity soon got a hold of Michael, and he opened up ‘Life’. Not understanding most of it, Michael did see that he could change the way he obtained ‘Notification Boxes’. Happily, Michael made the notification boxes hide themselves in the bottom right corner of his sight. He would be able to call it up when needed, and now he wouldn’t have his vision blocked by these surprise ‘notifications’.

Michael ended up not changing anything else, although he did gain a greater understanding of the options he didn’t touch. ‘Stored Rage’ in the Sight options, for example, allowed the person to see a box to the right of the three bars. This box would be the same height as the three bars stacked, and would display a number. He canceled that since he didn’t understand what was the use of it.

Michael soon realised he had gained a new stat and skill, but he didn’t put much thought into either. The ‘Rage Release’ skill seemed more dangerous than anything and he didn’t wish to experiment with it at all. ‘Stored Rage’ was only used for the ‘Rage Release’ skill and was basically useless to keep an eye on.

By the time the teacher got to Michael’s table, Michael was already finished his use of Options and was itching to go home. Michael hoped to request a night training session every other day in order to get stronger faster. Aaron would be happy enough to do so… probably.

Night fell when a group of riders entered the city of Bellen. Clothed in dark robes and hooded, the riders were the epitome of suspicious as they rode through the city. Their postures were bent and hunched as if to ward off some imaginary cold winds. They spoke in hushed tones and soft gestures yet their confidence was easy to see. Four in all, the leader was a large man and seemed a mountain under his so-called disguise. His deep voice rumbled within the cloak, yet the only thing that anyone, not within a few metres, could hear was unintelligible.

“I’m telling you, I can handle a few wolves. My pack is the largest in the continent. What measly guardians can take out my army?”

“You’re being overconfident, Sir. Those wolves have protected it for centuries. Maybe a thousand years. There must be some other defense besides the wolves.”

The smallest man was arguing with the leader, but he did it with confidence. A tone that meant he was either a leader himself, or a close companion. His high, nasal voice needed to be whispered, so as not to attract too much attention. The last two men kept to the back and didn’t speak to each other. They kept their eyes on the city, watchful for any attack.

“And if your brothers fail? Do you suggest we run back to the Head and leave this alone? You must accept that there needs to be a contingency plan. My Mages will stay back until needed and if they are needed, they will be there. Will that be alright, Sir?”

“... fine. You don’t need to worry though. We have scout reports that says the largest pack in the forest is maybe 200. Would probably be too easy for us. Maybe we’ll let your Mages hunt down the stragglers! Hehehehehe.”

*This is the chalkboard pic that Bishop Francis had written.

StatusNameMichaelAge4Level1Class-Fame0-100Infamy0TitleTarget of EnvyGuild-Health340Mana410Stamina375Stored Rage25

Strength33 + 10Dexterity24Vitality24 + 10Intelligence34Wisdom31Mana Control5Critical Chance0.05%Agility35 + 20Concentration55Willpower17Charisma15 + 20

[p=left]Special Skills and bonuses:

‘Target of Envy’ grants:

+20 to Charisma.

+20 to Agility.

+10 to Strength.

+10 to Vitality.

-100 Fame.[/p]

SkillsStealthBeginner level 1. (4%). Active and Passive skillInstant AnalyzationBeginner level 1. (94%) Active skillLanguage ComprehensionBeginner Level 1. (0%) Passive skillHerbologyBeginner level 2. (82%) Passive skillAlchemyBeginner level 2. (17%) Active skillSword MasteryBeginner level 1. (6%) Active skillDagger MasterBeginner level 0. (95%) Active skillWeapon Throwing MasteryBeginner level 1. (13%) Active skillRage ReleaseBeginner level 0. (80) Active skill

AffinitiesFire1Water1Earth1Wind1Light2Dark2Nature7

Michael now has:

A renowned potion making teacher

Combat lessons from his Expert Ranking father.

Green-Magic lessons from his mother.

Ah~ That wacky family...Big Bad Wolves time...

So, chapter 3 is finally out. New content! Meh

Chapters 4 and 5 are on their last leg of PRing. Saturday should be the soonest I would upload. Both of them are quite good IMO.

Remember to Vote or Review. Close to Top 50 (I'm greedy enough to aim for the top 20 even)