Authors Note: I'm glad most of you readers enjoyed the last chapter. As for this one, I don't have much to say except for the fact that there will be a lot more action coming up, so get ready for that.

I'm also curious if you readers have a favorite character yet. If you have one, let me know who it is and why they are your favorite in the comments.

Alright, here you go. Enjoy the chapter!

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Chapter 12

The second year’s tournament was coming up in a week. Callen, Brett and Yumi had been practicing formations, team attacks and how to coordinate well with each other. Thanks to Calgar’s advice, the team was growing at a rapid rate.

Right now the three teenagers were lying on the ground exhausted.

Callen spoke in between breaths. “Once again, we were made to train hard today. I can see why you improved so much over the break with a teacher like this Yumi.”

Brett wheezed. “This must be what it feels like to die.”

Yumi agreed with the two. “Even though I somewhat know what is coming, it doesn’t make it any easier.”

Calgar stood over them. “You are all coming along nicely. Callen, your control is better but don’t forget to regulate the power, otherwise you’re wasting magic. Brett, remember to try predicting your opponent’s next move rather than reacting to them. Yumi, keep track of everyone including yourself, you can’t help the team if you can’t even do that.”

The three nodded. “We understand.”

Brett looked over and spotted the new teacher that arrived a month ago. He waved at her.

“Hi Ms. Auromi!”

She smiled and waved back. “Keep up the good work students.”

She kept walking and disappeared into the school.

Callen noted. “We seem to see her a lot when we come out to practice. I wonder what she’s doing.”

Brett waved his hand dismissively. “Who cares? The fact that my soul just seems to heal after looking at her is wonderful after this hellish training.”

Yumi added. “She’s quite beautiful. I wonder if all Ventris’ are like that.”

Callen shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. She is the only one I’ve seen.”

Yumi asked Calgar. “Do all Ventris look like that?”

Calgar had been watching Auromi the entire time. He answered her question while still looking at the school.

“No. She would be considered beautiful even among themselves.”

Brett sighed. “Calling her the apex of beauty wouldn’t be an exaggeration. I can see why her parents would name her after the goddess.”

Callen nudged him. “What’s this? Is Mr. Trevino falling in love?”

“Please, I know when a woman is out of my league. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have fantasies!”

Callen just stared at him. “Don’t just say that with so much pride. Yumi, you too should get angry or something.”

Yumi just smiled. “It’s just Brett being himself.”

“That’s the problem!”

Brett put a hand on Yumi’s shoulder. “You’ll make a good wife someday.”

She had gotten used to his antics. A playboy line like this didn’t even affect her now. During the month of practicing for the tournament, the three had grown quite close. They even considered each other friends.

Everyone stood up and dusted themselves off.

Callen said. “That’s enough for today. I think it will be best to take this remaining week to rest. Sound good?”

Yumi and Brett agreed. Calgar also gave his approval. Callen and Brett said their farewells and headed to the boy’s dorms. Yumi and Calgar headed back to her room.

On the way she asked Calgar. “Are you ever going to tell me what is bothering you?”

Calgar looked to her. “What are you talking about?”

Yumi sighed. “Calgar, even though you don’t have a face to show expressions, how you are feeling generally comes across from your attitude. I also can vaguely sense it from the connection between us. I hadn’t said anything and hoped you’d tell me when you were ready, but it’s been a month.”

“I didn’t want you to worry. After all it’s my problem to deal with.”

Yumi was a little sad to hear that. “As a summoner and familiar we have to support each other. Lately I have received all the support, but now let me return the favor. I don’t know if I can help you, but it would be nice if you relied on me, even if it’s only a little bit.”

Calgar thought for a bit and decided to share with her what was troubling him. “Yumi, are you ever worried about how you fit into the world?”

“Are you asking about if my existence makes a difference?”

“Something to that effect. Questions like, why am I here? What is my purpose?”

Yumi tilted her head. “Those are quite profound questions. I never gave any thought about why I am here, but not too long ago I did seriously question what my purpose was.”

“Oh?” Calgar didn’t expect that.

“I wanted to be a summoner, yet I couldn’t find a spirit. My magic was also lacking. I had nothing to show off. I questioned what I should do with myself. I even thought that I was only good for a political marriage…”

Yumi then grabbed Calgar by the arm. “But then, out of the blue, you came and gave me hope. You agreed to become my familiar and taught me that I can be as good as anyone else with magic. I really am thankful for that.”

“So after meeting me you found your purpose?”

Yumi shook her head. “I don’t know if I will ever find my purpose, but the doubts I had definitely stopped me from moving forward. Thanks to you I was able to continue searching.”

Calgar thought back to his conversation with Auromi in Logan’s office. When he shared his concerns with her, she stopped him from talking and told him that she needed him. But was that his purpose? To give Auromi stability, like he gave to Yumi?

A few days after that, Auromi came to him again to talk about the things she didn’t ask him from earlier. He told her his circumstances and asked what she was going to do.

She had said. “I’ll just keep an eye on you, and will be here to lend a hand when you need it.”

Thus began her career as a new teacher. He knew she used magic to get the job. He was hoping she would be less conspicuous, but what’s done is done.

Calgar then asked his second question. “Yumi have you ever fallen in love?”

“…Love? Uh, no not yet. Are you in love with someone Calgar?”

“No I wouldn’t say that… It’s just a topic that has been on my mind.”

“Oh, sorry I couldn’t help you with that.”

“It’s fine. I appreciate you listen to my worries.”

Yumi smiled. “Anytime.”

As they entered Yumi’s dorm, they saw Sol sitting at the table drinking tea and Luna sprawled out on the couch.

Calgar looked at the two and said. “Welcome back. Find anything interesting?”

Sol set down her cup and laid two colorful rings and a necklace down on the table. “These are all we found for now.”

Luna said without moving. “Mortal magic sucks… Only ancient things seem to have enough to be worth anything.”

Yumi greeted them then asked. “Ancient things?”

Luna nodded. “Yeah, like stuff made before everything started to decline.”

“Oh like relics of the Gods. But if that’s the case, where in the world did you get those?”

Sol smiled. “We traded for them.”

Yumi was skeptical. “I don’t think anyone would want to part with something like this…”

Sol didn’t answer and kept smiling. Calgar picked up a ring and looked it over. It was a silver ring with intricate carvings around the band. It had a topaz gem on the top that glittered when struck with light.

Calgar absorbed the magic held within the ring. It was a decent amount. When he finished, the topaz gem looked dull and the silver band was rusted. He did the same to the other two accessories and a similar fate befell them.

Calgar was satisfied. “Not bad. There was quite a bit of magic in them. You two can take a break for now.”

Luna cheered. “Yeah, I worked hard even though it was boring.”

Sol chided Luna. “Nothing is boring if it’s for Father.”

“Liar, you’re just trying to look good.”

“Enough you two, settle down.”

Yumi walked over to the kitchen. “What should we have for dinner you two?”

Luna raised her hand. “Chicken! It has to be chicken!”

Sol countered. “We had that last time. Let’s have soup and a salad.”

“Bleh, I hate vegetables.”

“Well I hate having the same thing every night. Pick something else.”

“Chicken sandwich.”

“It can’t be chicken.”

“You monster!”

While the two argued, Yumi had already begun preparing ingredients and Calgar sat down across from Sol and opened a book.

Yumi snuck a peek over her shoulder and giggled. At this moment she was very happy, and hoped her school days would continue on like this.

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“Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to welcome you to Beista’s 87th Academy Tournament! The second year students have all created teams of two to five and will battle each other for the number one spot! I’m your host Harry Grung, and I will be commentating on the matches.”

The school’s arena was filled with people, from commoners to nobles, and everyone was excited. On one side, slightly above the back row was a special section for important guests. Here is where the seven Lords and King of the country sat.

Fredrick and Minna Nishka were already sitting down in their seats. They had traveled to the capital specifically to watch their daughter participate in the tournament.

Fredrick mumbled to himself. “I hope Yumi does well, I’m a little worried about her.”

Minna tried to reassure him. “Relax dear, she will be fine. She has Calgar remember?”

“I’m worried about that as well…”

A man and woman sat down near them. The man had a large muscular build and a magnificent brown beard. He was wearing a stylish blue jacket and matching slacks. The woman next to him wore a similar blue blouse paired with a black knee length skirt. Her blonde hair was tied up in a bun.

The man turned to Fredrick. “Well if it isn’t the Nishkas. It’s good to see you. How’s your territory been faring?”

“Hello John, it has its troubles. I’m sure you know all about it.”

“Yes, to think Nerim was doing such despicable things within our country and to top it off was help by our own nobility. I hope the bastard burns in an eternal hellfire.”

His wife, Mariana, gave him a sharp look. “Dear, watch your language. We have an image to maintain.”

John turned and lightly bowed to Fredrick and Minna. “Oops, forgive me.”

Minna smiled. “I’m sure it was a slip of the tongue. Don’t worry about it.”

Fredrick asked. “How are the Delgado’s family affairs turning out? I hear your son is quite the hot shot.”

John answered with a smug look. “That boy is Mariana’s and my shining star. He makes me so damn proud. I expect him to win this thing hands down.”

“Really? This is supposed to be a team event. Do you know who he is with?”

“No idea, but I know he will only pick those that can stand with him.”

Minna joined the conversation. “Speaking of which, we don’t know what team our daughter is on. I wonder if she teamed up with her friends?”

Mariana spoke to her. “Your daughter’s name is Yumi right? How has she been doing? I’ve heard some awful rumors about her.”

“She’s doing fine. This last break she was able to contract a very powerful familiar and has definitely grown stronger.”

“That’s good to hear.”

A sudden commotion began behind them. Escorted by 10 heavily armored knights were the King, Michael Ganar and his wife Laura. They had come to see the tournament as well. The two couples stood and bowed to the King and Queen as they took their seats a bit further away.

John said as he sat back down. “It seems the King decided to come after all. I was wondering if the negotiations with Nerim would eat up all his time.”

Fredrick speculated. “Perhaps this is a sign that the negotiations are going well? Although last I heard, we weren’t making any headway.”

John shrugged. “Not much we can do about it. Only the King has the power to negotiate with foreign countries. All we have is governance over our territories and answering the King’s call if there is a war.”

The two women worried. “Our children won’t be conscripted will they?”

Fredrick rubbed his chin. “Hard to say… If Nerim’s army is big enough, then it’s a real possibility. After all our own army isn’t very large right now and is spread equally through the territories.”

John added on to relieve some worry. “Well, even if they were, they most likely would be put in the rear or some other safer position.”

It did little to help ease the women’s fears.

Suddenly the announcer’s voice once again rang throughout the arena.

“While the preparations for the first match begin, I will now inform you of the tournaments rules. Each battle will take place on the battlefield you see before you. The dimensions of this field are 150 yards long by 120 yards wide. At the start of each match a random environment will be chosen.”

John admired the field. “Hoh, fancy. This will definitely challenge the kids.”

The announcer continued. “The victory conditions are as follows, all opposing team members are incapacitated or one side surrenders. The field is equipped with the latest enchantment that will protect the students from physical harm, but will immobilize them if the damage taken would be crippling or fatal. So expect to see everyone going all out!”

Fredrick sighed. “Lucky. We never had anything this high tech when I was a student.”

Minna lightly hit her husband’s arm. “Hush, you.”

“Alright, I bet you’re tired of waiting but fear not! For the first match is about to begin! On the Left we have team ‘Star Shooters’ and on the right we have team ‘Breakbeat’. The team members for each side include…”

John trembled in excitement. “Nothing like a good battle to build up your tension, am I right Fredrick?”

He nodded. “You said it John, I can’t wait till our kids show us what they got.”

The announcer drew their attention back to the match.

“The terrain is jungle! Teams are you ready? After the starting bell sounds, all outside noise will be cancelled out, so concentrate on the fight in front of you! Without further ado, let the tournament begin!”