Authors Note: I wasn't entirely confident with how I relayed information to the reader in this chapter, so if you come across a section that doesn't seem to flow well, please point it out.

Not much else to say except that I appreciate your guy's comments, and while I might not always agree with what you say, It does make me think about the story and why you might perceive it a certain way.

Thanks for reading and please enjoy the chapter!

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Chapter 8

It was early in the morning and the sun had just barely peaked over the horizon. Its warm light was cast over the capital city. It was at this time of day that the farmers would be waking up and preparing for a hard day’s labor.

For the average citizen it was an ungodly hour. Most stayed in bed, while others reluctantly forced themselves up. Nobles were worse, as they consider almost noon to be early morning.

However in a certain manor it was a different story for a young man. This was a wonderful time to be up and about. The fresh crisp air in your lungs let you know you were alive.

Every morning at the crack of dawn, he would wake up and perform light exercises, and then go jogging until he felt satisfied. This morning had been no different for him and as he was returning from his run, he was greeted by his personal attendant.

The butler made a slight bow at his master’s return. “Welcome back my Lord.”

The young man wiped his sweat off his brow with an arm. “I’ve returned Alex. Is everything ready in the courtyard?”

“Yes the servants have finished setting up targets for you.”

“Excellent.”

The young man was Callen Delgado, the next heir to the Delgado family. This family was one of the Seven Lord families that served the King.

He had dark rusty colored hair with red eyes. His ears were slightly pointed and had soft fuzzy hair growing on them. Oddities like this showed he had a stronger concentration of a high race within him. His body was muscular from his rigorous training.

From a young age Callen had shown to be a quick study in all that he did. He learned his words and numbers faster than others. He could do complicated math, sophisticated music, paint complex art, anything he attempted he could quickly master it.

This included the art of war and his skill in magic. His father had hired for him the best tutors in both martial and arcane arts. In no time at all he learned everything they had to teach, soaking up the knowledge like a sponge.

The people called him a genius and a prodigy. His father boasted to the other Lords and everyone agreed that the Delgado family’s future was indeed a bright one.

The attendant next to him was Alex Corde. Ever since Callen had been born, he was appointed to watch over him and had been doing so for the past 17 years.

He was in his early forties with blonde hair and brown eyes, but he still retained the look of a handsome twenty year old.

The two made their way to the courtyard, where six humanoid wooden targets had been set up in a circle surrounding the center.

Alex clapped his hands loudly. “The master’s training has begun!”

It was a warning to the servants to leave the area in case of a mishap, but no one here believed such a thing could happen. However they all still left.

Callen walked into the center of the targets and closed his eyes. Gathering the energy within him, he pooled the magic into a pendant that was wrapped around his neck. The color of the pendant glowed crimson, indicating that it was fully charged. Callen then said the keywords.

“[Equip Kallipolis]!”

In a flash his clothes were replaced with a suit of white armor. The helmet covered his entire face, leaving only a small slit for him to see through. The front had a gentle curve around the forehead and angled back into a slight point.

On the shoulders were plain pauldrons connected to a neck guard that circled around the back of his head leaving an opening in the front.

The body was smooth metal being thicker at the chest and tapering off near the thighs.

The gauntlets and leggings had a simple design with the armor pointing slightly at the elbows and knees.

Attached to his back was a red mantle. A thick belt around the waist held it tight against the back of the armor, with it loosely flowing to the knees.

This magical artifact was one of the main reasons the Delgado family was among the noble Lords. It had the ability to tap into the user’s potential and create a set of armor and weapons suitable for them, and while its origin had been lost to history, its power was undeniable.

Callen moved his body a bit, testing the range of motion. After confirming that nothing was wrong, he looked to Alex.

Alex gave him a nod, meaning he could proceed.

Callen turned back to the targets and focused. A brief moment of silence hung in the air until Alex called out.

“Begin!”

The six wooden targets began to move as if they were alive. One immediately lunged at Callen from behind, swinging its wooden sword from above.

A simple sidestep avoided the attack entirely and left the target open. Cladding his gauntlet with fire, Callen swung down and smashed it to pieces sending a shower of smoldering splinters everywhere.

Without a pause, two targets attacked in sync, one from the right and left. He avoided the left one and deflected the right target’s sword using his forearm to guide the strike down and away.

He then grabbed the targets wrist and spun it around, throwing it into two others, knocking them to the ground. Now in Callen’s hands, lightning arced between his fingers. Aiming at the three targets he launched his attack.

“[Arcing Pulse]!”

Lightning sprung from his hand and struck the targets. The area that was hit began to pulse violently with lightning. The three targets convulsed each time they were struck until they caught fire and burnt to ash.

Only two were left. They were standing a little ways off from Callen and weren’t making any moves as if hesitating with the thought that any careless attack would be instant death.

Callen raised his hand and beckoned them to come at him, but they still didn’t move.

“Fine, I’ll come to you then.”

Using his foot to launch himself at the two targets, he quickly approached. One attempted a low swing, aiming at his legs. He stepped on the sword with enough force to snap it in two and finished with a kick to the mid-section, splitting it in half.

The last target charged, with the intention to skewer Callen. As if he was bored by now, Callen twisted his body slightly and as the sword passed him, grabbed the neck of the target.

A sinister purple energy slowly rose like smoke from his hand. Callen let go and watched as the smoke enveloped the target. Starting from the neck, it slowly disintegrated until nothing remained.

Callen let out a breath and deactivated Kallipolis, returning to his previous clothing of a loose shirt and pants. He then turned to Alex who was softly clapping his hands.

“A wonderful display my Lord.”

Callen grimaced. “Please those levels of opponents are nothing. And besides I still need to work on smoothly combining my magic with my physical attacks.”

When Callen learned of styles of fighting he was always drawn to those of hand to hand combat. Something about using your own two fists in a fight made it that much more enjoyable for him.

He then wanted to add his own magic into the attacks which slowly evolved it into his own unique way of fighting. Although using both melee and magic together was not unheard of, very few people used it and rather studied one or the other.

“Yes, your execution of magic seems to be a tad slow due to focusing on the enemies movements.”

“I see you aren’t pulling any punches with the advice as usual.”

“It was you who told me to honestly point out your faults my Lord.”

“I know. I can’t improve if people just flatter me all the time, so I really appreciate it Alex.”

“Think nothing of it. The bath is prepared for you if you’d like to wash yourself.”

“Yeah, right after I cool down first.”

Callen lowered himself to the ground and gently stretched his legs.

“Come to think of it… I’ll start my second year at the Military academy tomorrow.”

Alex asked him. “Are you looking forward to it?”

Callen wrinkled his brows. “That’s hard to say. While I’m not adverse to what they teach, I’d much rather find strong students my age. I want someone to challenge me. I fear at this rate I’ll grow stagnate.”

“Did you not find anyone during your first year?”

“There were a couple of third years that were able to at least keep up with me. But now they are in the army… maybe a promising first year will show up?”

Callen stood up and twisted his body to the left and right.

“Well no use in speculating, I’ll find out soon enough.”

Callen went inside the manor, followed closely by Alex.

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The next morning the grounds of the school were alive. Students were greeting old friends and were slowly making their way to a large arena behind the school. This building housed an open air battlefield, surrounded by spectator seats. It could confidently hold up to 10,000 spectators.

It was here that the students gathered for the opening ceremony to welcome the fresh batch of first years, as well as hear about any important events that were to be planned for the upcoming year.

Callen turned onto the road leading to the main building and headed to the arena. On the way he passed some female students who looked a little lost. Just by looking at their green robes he could tell that they were first year mages.

“Excuse me.” One of the girls asked him as he passed by.

“Yes?”

“We are a little lost. Would you be willing to show us to the arena?” She said while blushing.

Callen pointed to the main building. “It’s just on the other side, you can’t miss it.”

Taken aback, the girl tried again and asked. “Oh, um… but can we go together?”

“Sorry, I’m in a bit of a hurry.” Callen walked ahead without paying any more attention to the girls.

That’s right, going back to school also means things like this will happen again. It seems the break really spoiled me.

Callen was well aware that his position made him a desirable partner for all the young noblewomen, but he wasn’t interested in someone with just a pretty face. He wanted an equal. This preference has kept him single all his life, and with him taking over responsibility of family affairs after graduation, pressure will naturally be put on him to marry sooner than later.

As he came closer to the arena, a man wearing similar red robes as Callen approached.

“Yo Delgado. Good to see you. How was the break?”

A boy with swept back greenish brown hair walked up to him. His hazel eyes were half closed as if he could fall asleep at any time, and while at first glance his skin looked normal, it was actually rough like sandpaper.

“Oh it’s just you. My break was fine. It’s surprising that you actually came to opening ceremony.”

“Hey man, I can be responsible when I feel like it.”

“So you never feel like it then, right? How did a lazy family like the Trevino’s become one of the Lords?”

“For the hundredth time, it’s our blood dude.”

“Brett, if the Aborian high race was really that lazy then they wouldn’t have lasted in the world.”

The two had entered the arena and found empty seats in the second year section. Callen passed the time with idle chatter while waiting for the ceremony’s start.

On the right side of the arena were the first year students, the left housing the second years and the middle holding the third years.

In this academy, you chose to study under martial arts if you were going to be a soldier or arcane arts for a magician. The style of uniform showed which you studied, a robe for magicians and a leather jacket for soldiers. Homeroom and general studies were shared classes.

Adding to that was three different colors denoting the year you belonged to. Green, then red, and finally blue.

An older man walked out into the center of the field and stood upon a platform. He then cast a spell on himself before turning to face the students.

His amplified voice rang out. “Testing, testing… Alright should be good. Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Capital’s Military Academy. Yes that’s its official name; don’t ask me why it’s not fancier. I am your principal, Logan Marrs.”

Logan grabbed a paper from his robes. “Let’s see… ah yes. I’ll keep this short since nobody likes long speeches and I’m sure you’re all just itching to get learning, so without further ado I’ll explain the events we have planned for this year.”

He paused slightly. “For the third years we have a trip planned with the knight and mage divisions of the army so you can see how they operate in the field. This will be held in the next four months. For second years, we are holding a tournament in two months. The details will be given out by your teachers. Finally for first years, your event will be held close to the end of the year. More details on that will be given later.”

Logan stuffed the paper back into his robe. “Alright, that’s all to announce at this time. If you haven’t already found out what class you’re in, it’s written on the board in front of the main building. Classes will start in an hour.”

He was about to step off the platform, but stopped himself. “One last thing students, when I don’t have extra work because everyone is behaving, I’m a very happy man. However…” His voice dropped a tone. “Make trouble for me and your school life won’t be very enjoyable. Do I make myself clear?”

The students, who had been mostly paying attention during the speech while still talking amongst themselves, were now deathly quiet. Satisfied by the response, Logan stepped off the platform and left the field.

Brett had on a carefree smile. “That principal is the same as ever, to think that a man like him who seems to do things so lackadaisically can still command such respect.”

“Respect you say… isn’t it more like fear? That silent pressure he gives out is no joke.”

Brett just laughed. The two of them walked back to the front of the school.

“So Callen, what class are you in?”

“I’m in 2-C. You?”

“Lucky. Same here. Treat me well classmate.”

Callen just rolled his eyes. The two decided to head to the classroom early. It was located on the second story to the left of the hall. Each classroom could hold about 50 students, with each grade having roughly 500 students.

They entered the classroom and greeted some students who had arrived earlier, then made their way to the back of the classroom. The layout of the room was three rows of long desks, with those in the back being raised up higher than those in front. At the front of the room was the teacher’s desk to the right and a podium in the center.

As Callen sat down and looked out the window he voiced his concern to Brett. “I hope there is someone among the first years with promise.”

Brett leaned against the desk. “Aw, are you just too darn strong that the average Joe can’t satisfy you?”

Callen glared at him. “I just want a challenge. You know, test my limits.”

Brett shrugged. “Sorry buddy, I can’t relate. I’m just a simple man trying to live a simple life.”

“You know, you’re really good at annoying me.”

“What can I say? It just seems to come naturally.”

Suddenly the other students started to murmur.

“Look she’s in this class.”

“Didn’t she quit? After all she was pretty useless.”

“She’s still a Lord’s daughter, so she has to come. It’s quite a pity.”

“Well at least she’s decent to look at. If she’s lucky she can marry someone of average standing.”

The girl in question just silently sat down in the front row and opened a book to read. The other students then proceeded to ignore her.

Callen looked at her. “That girl, if I remember right her name is Yumi?”

Brett gave a quick glance and nodded. “Yep. She’s a part of the Niskha family. She’s supposed to be a summoner like her parents but I heard that she couldn’t make a contract and that her skill in magic was sub-par.”

“Hmm, that’s a shame.” Callen looked back to the window since he lost interest.

Students began to fill the room and soon class would start. When everyone was seated a woman in her thirties entered the room and stood behind the podium.

“Good afternoon class. I am your homeroom teacher, Mrs. Fischer. To outline what the year will entail, you all will mainly be focusing on combat training. For the knight students it will be techniques and styles for weapons. For the magician students it will be spells and magic control.”

She then turned to Callen. “For you Mr. Delgado, the principal has approved your request to participate in both types of classes. He recommended that if you felt that what was being taught in one class was too easy; to move to the other or, with teacher approval, do self-study.”

The students whispered among themselves. “He’s amazing.” “As expected of a genius.” “I’d do anything to marry him.”

Brett gave him a little nudge at the last comment and Callen whispered. “Knock it off.”

Mrs. Fischer continued. “Since today is simply about meeting your teachers and fellow classmates I won’t go into too many details, but the tournament for the second years will be a team competition with teams consisting of 2-5 members competing in mock battles. This competition will be open for the public to watch, and also there will be military officers coming to potentially keep an eye out for any talented individuals they may want to recruit come time for graduation.”

The students were starting to get excited. Some were already asking their friends to form a team, and others were thinking about how to make a good impression on the officers that would attend.

“What do you think Callen? Sound interesting?”

“It will depend on the quality of the teams but, yeah I guess you can say I’m interested.”

The teacher quieted down the students. “You will have this month to form your teams. After that you will have to practice on your own time. Make sure to reserve the practice fields beforehand if you plan on using them.”

She then grabbed a stack of papers. “These are the classes you will be assigned to. When I call your name come here and get it. After that you’re dismissed. Be sure to be at the next class by the indicated time.”

She started calling out names and the students received their schedules.

Brett asked Callen. “I know I’m not the most desirable person, but would you like to form a team with me?”

“Based on personality, you’re the last person I’d pick. But I have a good idea of your skills, so I don’t mind forming a team with you.”

Brett did a little fist pump. “Alright, first place secured.”

Callen lightly hit him in the shoulder.

Brett smiled. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Although I’d like to have at least one more person on the team… does anyone come to mind?”

Callen thought for a moment and said. “I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head. We still have a month so there’s no hurry, but keep an eye out and let me know if you find someone promising.”

Brett gave Callen a thumbs up. “Yep, leave it to me.”

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In Nishka city, a slightly overweight man was relaxing in a soft chair drinking tea and reading over some business reports. He had a smile on his face looking over the numbers until he read a certain part of the report.

His smile turned to a frown. “What happened with the shipments we were sending to the neighboring country Nerim?”

A small man in glasses who had been next to him, hesitated in his reply. “It seems that our operation has run into a bit of trouble.”

“Explain.”

“Many have been captured by the guards and others have been found murdered.”

The fat man’s brows furrowed. “What happened to the merchandise?”

“Vanished. No traces have been found.”

The fat man took a sip of tea. “Dammit. Our client won’t be pleased with this. Set up more operations and increase the quotas, maybe we will be able to make up the deficiency.”

Suddenly the door to the room opened and four men and a woman entered.

The man in the center casually walked in. “That’s all I needed to hear. Isabelle, do your stuff.”

The woman shot magic at the two men. “[Paralysis]!”

The fat man in the chair twitched while the man in glasses fell to the floor.

Isabelle looked to the man in the leather jacket. “Jebb we have about 15 mins before the guards come, hurry up and find what you’re looking for.”

Jebb approached the man in the chair. “Won’t take long. Hey there pal, I have a proposition for you.”

The man in the chair barely spoke the words. “Who are you? Where are my bodyguards?!”

“We’ve already dealt with them. The question now is what to do with you. There are two options.”

Jebb pulled out a knife and gently held it to the man’s throat. “Tell me where you are keeping all the documents concerning the slave trades and I won’t kill you. Or keep quiet, making my job harder, and I’ll have no choice but to send you straight into Nighorum’s arms. So which will it be?”

The man didn’t immediately answer. Jebb slowly cut, drawing a bit of blood.

The man panicked. “Wait! I keep the documents in my bedroom in a safe! The key is in my pocket, just please don’t kill me!”

Jebb fished around his pockets and found the aforementioned key. He tossed it to one of the men.

“Go find it and meet up at the rendezvous.”

“Roger.” The man quickly left.

“Alright we’re done here, pack it up everyone.”

Isabelle stopped him. “Wait… Are you just going to leave him?”

Jebb looked her in the eyes. “If they can be turned over to the authorities then that takes precedence. So yes, I plan on leaving him.”

“But he’s the one who-!”

Jebb held his hand up. “Those were the exact words of my goddess; I will not go against them. However I’ve done my part here. What happens now doesn’t concern me.”

“Then…”

Jebb turned and walked out the door, straightening his leather jacket. “There’s a lot of work left for these sinful bones to accomplish. If you still want to lend a hand, you know where to find me.”

Isabelle nodded and turned to face the fat man. “I’ll be done in five minutes.”

The doors closed and behind it he could hear muffled screams. Jebb chuckled as he thought to himself.

What comes around goes around. How poetic that the slave ends up torturing to death the mastermind. Oops mastermind isn’t the right word… small fry isn’t right either… Oh well in the end it doesn’t really matter.

The man he sent to retrieve the documents returned to Jebb.

“Oi, I thought I told you to meet at the rendezvous.”

“You need to see this.”

The man handed the documents over. Jebb quickly scanned through them and narrowed his eyes.

“Is this for real? Hot damn, he was a pretty big fish after all. Okay, take the shipment manifests and place the rest for the guards to easily find. This is a lot bigger than I thought.”

The man nodded and went about his task. Jebb left the building and walked down the street.

Heh, looks like I’m getting my fair share of karma as well. With this around the corner, the boys and I will be busting our asses pretty soon.

Jebb made a wry smile and sighed. “I guess that saying is true, there really is no rest for the wicked.”