My back still hurts but so does the rest of my body. It obviously wasn't a good idea to fight my master with an injury but I did it anyways. I know that I still have a lot to learn if I'm going to beat him. Mixing elements huh? That's one advantage I have over others, I don't need another person to do it.

"What kind of mission did you take?" someone asks from behind me. I could already guess who it is.

"A monster extermination quest." I thought for a little bit. "The village held a feast for us after we took them down." I say, with this much he won't probe too much.

"What?!" he puts his hand to his chest. "Lucky! I wish I had a feast thrown for me!"

"It wasn't just for me, it was for the whole party." I say.

"But still..."

The door opens.

"Everyone please take your seats!"

Miss Ein strolls on in carrying the usual book in hand. Today she's wearing a pair of glasses, it really makes her look a lot more intelligent. My master once told me that I should wear some so that people don't underestimate me, I said no.

Miss Ein looked from Ellar to me, holding her gaze for a few seconds.

"It's nice to see that both of you are back after a week." she pushes up her glasses. "How was the experience? Did it help you two understand or learn anything?" she asks.

The stares of the other students are being focused on the both of us, I can hear Iris edging Ellar to speak. Axel does the same to me.

"So? How was it?" she asks again.

"I-" just as I was going to say something Ellar speaks up.

"W-we, l-learned, h-how to-to work together, b-better." she manages.

"And how important it actually is." I add.

Miss Ein nods at this answer. "That's good. The reason we put students into pairs isn't for them just to have a sparring partner, but for them to learn to work together. Soon enough we'll be having an evaluation of your teamwork skills, so be prepared everyone."

The students glance at each other, it seems like they weren't aware of this either.

"Moving on," Miss Ein walks towards the door. "we'll be going to the sparring grounds."

I get up and inch my way down the steps.

As I step outside, a long cool breeze passes me by. It sends a chill down my whole body, waking me up more than I already was. The sun wasn't up as early as it was a week ago, an entire half of the sun is still trying to make it past the horizon. Many birds could be seen flying down south, trying to make it to their other homes before winter took hold and froze their food here.

The residents of the city were just being stirred from their slumber by the rising sun, as the sun changes I guess they'd change too. Even with half of the sun the training dummies could be seen clearly, at one time they looked brand new, freshly bought and placed. Now they're just a little less than some straws tied together to form something that resembles a humanoid.

Miss Ein heads to the middle of the grounds as she usually does, Ellar appears by my side donning a slightly different hairstyle today, two braids instead of one. Next to her are her friends, the always curious, Iris and, the bullheaded, Elis. Axel and his partner are a few steps behind me, looking at Miss Ein through the gaps.

"On the topic of teamwork, we'll be having you and your partner spar against another group." the students look for their other friends. "I, will be choosing who you face." they stiffen and return their attention to Miss Ein. "It will be purely a battle of spirits, please summon them."

Ellar easily summons hers, she's probably done it before. I, on the other hand, have not summoned it out after we contracted. I don't even have a name for mine. I humored the idea of Bob The Destroyer Of Worlds, but that was far too ridiculous, it hardly seemed like a Bob, those guys are fearsome. I could name it Belial Lord of Fire and Destruction, but it's not that destructive. I soon decided that a something without a title to accompany it would be best.

I tried hovering a few names, thinking of ice cream I instantly thought of my favorite flavor, Vanilla, but I don't know how well we'll get along, I don't want to have a spirit I might have problems with be named after my favorite flavor. Pickle came up somehow, I dislike them but it seemed like a funny name, dismissed in the end.

A long hard war was fought between Drogo, Ember, and Alastar. Drogo was shot dead, unable to bear the weight, and Ember couldn't stand against Alastar. Ember's just a dying fire, fighting for survival. I focus, just like I did before when I summoned it earlier, come out Alastar!

*POOF*

With a bit of smoke, a little black lizard with wings appeared, much like the hell hounds, it had a few little "cracks" where the fire inside could be seen, it's tail resembled that of a piece of metal in a blacksmith that was just taken out of the furnace, a bright orange.

For some reason Ellar kept glancing over at Alastar, now that I take a look at it, it resembles a baby lizard, I guess she'd find it cute, her own spirit also took on a fluffier form. Strange how they choose. Are these what they're most closely related to?

"Now that everyone has theirs out," her gaze swiftly glazes over us. "Rainen and Ellar, you two will be going against Adrmok and Harneth."

I turn to observe our opponents, Miss Ein continues to say the other pairings. Adrmok's a beastman, he has ears and a tail, a dog. He's not very large, fairly frail looking too. Harneth's an elf, she looks young but I wonder if she's older than Miss Ein, that could be possible. Neither of them look to menacing, in a battle of magic I'd have to depend on Ellar but since we're using our spirits I'm not sure how this is going to turn out. Since they feed on our mana I assume that I'll be losing quite a bit when it attacks.

"Now that everyone has an opponent," she puts her hands on her hips. "you may spread out, please have the spirits only target each other."

We stay in our original position and Adrmok and Harneth walk over to us. Harneth has her head down while Adrmok has his chin pointed towards the sky, is the first day blunder still labeling me that way? Should I crack a joke like my master would or stay formal?

I go with the latter and offer my hand.

"I'm Rainen."

Adrmok lowers his chin slightly while Harneth raises hers.

"I'm his partner, Ellar." she holds her hand out as well. Nice read!

"Yeah, we know." Adrmok says a little bit harshly. "Welcome back, I'm Adrmok." his attitude changes with his next words.

"And I'm Harneth." she shook Ellar's hand firmly and mine, quickly.

We spread ourselves out and face each other. They're standing in a battle ready stance while I'm in a much more relaxed one, since there's no harm that's going to come my way I have no need to tense up. Blue hair's the same as them, but with a little worry spread on her face, the same one that always is.

It's a bit different than the one my master has, he might not think that I notice but I do. He's had it since last year.

"Begin!" Miss Ein shouts out.

"Go Alastar, focus on dodging and counter attacking, only take the initiative if you think you need to." I command.

It lets out a little high pitched roar as confirmation.

Harneth's spirit is in a fairy form, it sends wind blades at Alastar. Alastar dodges, spiting out fireballs as it flies up higher for more room. I know that Alastar is a fire spirit but I wonder if it could use my lightning affinity.

Ellar's spirit is barely dodging the attacks of Adrmok's fire spirit. Some stray flames spew over to our side, I use my mid to order Alastar to go and assist blue hair's. They're able to hear some of our thoughts. I have him fly higher and shoot out fireballs from there.

Harneth's spirit dodges it, exactly as planned, unaware of the attack above, Adrmok's spirit keeps fighting with Ellar's.

*Boom Boom Boom*

A burst of fireballs hit it, it's visibly shaken by the attack and Ellar's spirit finishes it with a water ball. Now it's two on one, spirits aren't very resilient. With the numbers advantage I have Alastar attack after Ellar's, aiming for the place where it would dodge too.

*Boom*

One connects. A look of worry flashes across Harneth's face. I order Alastar to charge her's. With a crash they meet, tumbling onto the ground they struggle for the mounting position. As fireballs and wind blades are being exchanged I start to feel light headed.

What's going on? Oh, yeah. First time this has happened. I'm running low on mana, it feels a bit like when I use my ability too much but it's more of a drained kind of feeling than my whole body is dying.

Soon a dull thump is heard.

------------

I hear a dull thud. I turn my head to the side, Rainen's laying down on the floor, his whole face is pale. I feel the color draining from my face. Is the wound on his back doing this? He's not moving at all but he's still alive, his quick breaths could be heard. I turn to look where his summon was fighting against Harneth's, it's no longer there.

I recall Byu and kneel down next to him, casting a healing spell.

"Miss Ein!" I yell. "Rainen's down!"

"Hold on, I'm coming!" she quickly rushes over, a look of surprise on her face.

"W-what's going on?" I ask her.

"His mana is low, I didn't think that anyone would collapse from using their spirits to do a battle." she bites her finger. "Everyone! Sparring is over for now, go back to the classroom. Ellar, help me carry him to the infirmary."

"O-okay." I lift his arm over my shoulder like I did before.

We trek up the stairs, struggling to carry him. The infirmary is large, like everything else in the school, I wonder how many students come here daily.

"Mrs. Warren, this boy is low on mana can you take care of it?" Miss Ein asks the pretty blonde woman at the desk.

"I understand, please put him over there." she points to a bed with a magic circle on it. "I'll handle it from here."

"Thank you. Let's return Ellar."

"..." I don't answer. I stare blankly at Rainen, he looks like he's in much more pain than when the giant hit him.

"...Ellar." Miss Ein says after a moment.

"O-oh what is it?" I say, just aware that she was asking something.

"If you're worried you can stay for a while."

"Y-yes, I'd like to stay for a little bit."

"Alright, I'll see you in class later then." Miss Ein walks out of the room.

I watch her leave. Maybe I should've gone back to class right away, I've almost missed a full week of school. At this rate, I'll fall behind. Yet, I couldn't shake the guilt I felt, somehow I feel like his injury from before has something to do with it.

"You don't need to worry about your boyfriend, he'll be fine if he's just low on mana." the nurse says.

"H-he's not my b-boyfriend, we're partners." I say quietly.

"Oh, excuse me then." she smiles brightly. "It's good that you get along with him. I'll preform a check up on him."

She put her hand on his chest. Green light started coming out of his body, much more solid looking strings floated up. I don't know any spell like this. Is this her ability? An analysis ability? If so it's a good thing she's a nurse, her ability would allow for monsters to spot her a mile away. Alyss would always tell me that flashy spells are no good when you're trying to hide, "You might as well be on a stick." she said.

The long green strings wrap around his body, he starts to hover. The ability takes a bit of time to actually use. She finishes and turns to me.

"Did you know that he suffered a powerful blow to the back?" she asks.

"Yes," I reply slowly. "he protected me from a giant's attack."

Her eyes widen at the information as it reaches her ears.

"It's amazing how he's still alive." those words stung. I almost got him killed. "Most magicians would have died from an attack like that. Well, he should be fine. His mana will be restored by the magic circle that he's resting on so there is no need for you to worry."

"...Thanks. I'll be leaving now."

-----------

"Hey El, you wanna go to get some ice cream?" Iris pokes me with her finger.

We haven't hung out for a week, I'm also a bit mentally exhausted from the past few days.

"Yeah, I'd like that." I say.

"Whoo!" Elis wraps her arms around my neck. "It's been a while so why don't us girls go shopping!"

"Eh~"

"Awww, come on El! You almost never go shopping with us!" Elis whines.

"Bu-" Iris interrupts me.

"No, it's okay El." she turns away. "We'll just have to deal with the fact that our Roluk friend doesn't want to be seen with us." she pretends to wipe a tear.

"But I'm going to get ice cream with-"

"No." Iris puts her hand up. "No need for excuses El. If you don't want to go shopping just say so."

"Uuuuuuu." I relent. "Alright, I'll go."

"Yay! Good job Iris. You can't take it back now El!" they both high five.

I knew Iris was trying to guilt me into going but I couldn't really deny them after not being around for a week.

"Hehe, let's gooooo!"

Elis cheerfully pulls me along through the hallway. Lots of the students from our class are here, they each take a glance as the three of us rush by them. The walls are barren without any hint of decoration, that is, until we reach the main lobby. Along with the furniture and plants, paintings are placed in the lobby.

They adorn the walls. Unlike the floor which is a wonderful marble pattern the walls are a plain white. A picture of the headmaster is put right above the main desk, other paintings show of great magic casters, from humans to even orcs. They stand behind great armies and rain down fire on their enemies.

"Now's not the time to be looking at the new stuff." Elis starts pulling again and we leave the school building.

It's only four but the sun has already started to turn the sky orange. The end of summer came last week already, it's finally Fall. Like always, the city is lively.

For some reason seeing the children play pains my heart a bit. Even though I have Iris and Elis right here, the kids remind me of darker times, of the times when I longed to have someone else. I haven't felt like this in years, I wonder why. Did that dream have this much of an effect?

It reminds me. Did my letter arrive home yet? Has Rainen gotten a response?

We arrive at the shop. I steel myself to go inside, the cold always surprises me. I won't have the heat of Summer save me this time. Elis opens the door and Iris and I follow.

"Gimme the strawberry flavored one please!"

"I'll have one also thank you." Iris says.

"Um... I'll take vanilla." I say.

Elis tilts her head.

"Not going to take your usual?"

"I want to give vanilla a try." I respond.

"Here you go you three." the four armed beastman working behind the counter hands the cones to us. We all drop our coins into his free hand.

The three of us rush out the door as soon as we pay for our food. The not warm but warmer than the air inside the shop relaxes us. I take a taste of my frozen desert.

"How is it El?" Iris asks.

"It's pretty good." I say. I can see why he likes it.

We finish the ice cream and I'm led by Elis to the clothing shops. Nearby was also a magic shop, I stopped by and bought a staff similar the one I had when I went on the quest.

"Hey El, I think that these'll look good on you." Iris holds the clothes out in front of her, imagining what I would look like in them. "I think that you need some more casual wear."

"Y-you think so?"

"Yes, very much so."

Iris spent most of her time picking out clothing for me.

---------

I wake up in an unfamiliar room, the only reason why I'm not panicking is because of the way the room looks. It's much like an infirmary, no, it is an infirmary. If I remember correctly I collapsed earlier. They must've taken me here to rest.

"Oh, you're awake."

I turn to the voice.

"How long was I out for?"

"You're not going to ask where you are?" she questions.

"I was taken to the infirmary, this place, right?"

she nods.

"How long was I out for?" I ask again.

"Well," she looks hesitant. "School's over, it's five right now."

So eight to nine hours.

"Can I leave?"

"Yeah, your mana should be about full now. Please be more careful about how much you use next time." she advises.

"I understand, thank you." I leave the room.

So I ran out of mana. That was the draining sensation then. No one else seems to have suffered the same thing as me. Did my spirit use more mana or is my supply that low? Most likely the latter, I'll have to watch myself from now on. If I use too much magic during a fight I could end up knocking myself out for them, easy kill.

It's been a week since I last patrolled the city so it should be my turn. I've got to go to the warehouse today. I wonder if my master is still there, I doubt it. He probably left as soon as I did.

-------

I open the door to the place the twelve usually are.

"Good." Carlyle says when I enter.

"Needed me?"

"Yes," he motions for me to sit. "Henry, Hannah, come over here."

They sit down next to me.

"You three will be going on a mission later, although I say that, Hannah and Henry will be assisting you, the thirteenth, in this."

"Is it like my first one?" I ask.

"...No." he answers.

"Why do they need to come with me?"

"Because this is more of a skills test than a mission."

"Why do I need a test like that?" I eye him suspiciously. "Did he put you up to it?"

"Why, whoever do you mean?" he says innocently, it doesn't match his usual attitude.

"You know who." I say.

He laughs, "Hahahaha, no, don't worry. It's more of my test to you." he plops down. "Of course I already know your strength in combat but I want to know how well you can do other things like gathering Intel."

I nod, "Alright, I don't mind. But you know about my circumstances right?"

Of course, I was talking about school.

"Yes, yes. You'll do it this weekend. I was simply informing you beforehand."

"Okay. Am I on patrol tonight?" I ask.

"Yes, Henry will be going with you."

"Let's go thirteenth." Henry says as he stands up.

"Coming."

I go the opposite way Henry goes. Night has fallen, I'm leaping from rooftop to rooftop looking for any petty crimes. I don't understand why we, a group that undertakes special missions, has to do this. Perhaps it's to keep us diligent. Certainly, the people of the underground are dangerous. If I wasn't taught to at least keep a minimal part of my guard up by my master I might've been killed by that girl, Maria was it?

"...up..."

I could barely hear it, I headed towards the origin of the noise. Still standing on top of the building I look down into the alleyways that plague this city. A woman and her friend is surrounded by a group of hooded thugs. In a way my clothing makes me look like one too, I wonder if my master thought it would be funny.

"Miss, just give us your money and we won't hurt you... much." he ends.

If he wanted her to comply completely he should've just stuck to lying. I know that when some people have another cornered they feel a need to tell a little bit of the truth but it would help him here if he didn't.

"N-no! S-stay away!" she recklessly swings the sack of apples, I assume, around.

"Take her down before someone shows up! She's yelling too much."

I notice one of the thieves take out a dagger. Now's my cue, I've seen enough to warrant taking them down and reporting them. I leap from the rooftop and land on top of the thug.

A pain runs down my back but I make sure not to show it, good thing the mask is here too.

"Wha-"

*Boom Boom Boom*

I take down the three closest to me, they were all stunned by my entrance.

"Hey! Get him!" the leader pointed to me.

Only three more, the leader doesn't seem much more capable than the rest. He's just there to shout useless orders.

I release a weak fireball at one of the attackers, he falls to the floor trying to bat away the flames. I finish him with a stun.

"A magic caster." the other hooded figure mumbled.

The voice sounded familiar, did I take down this person before? No, they would've noticed who I was by my black clothing.

"Take this!"

He does a flurry of thrusts. I dodge each one. After dodging another attack I launch a kick to his stomach.

"Guh!"

He's sent flying backwards but transitions into a roll.

"B-boss."

"I've got him." the big man took out his own dagger, his hands were shaking.

The woman I jumped in to save hides behind me.

The boss goes low and dashes forward, closing the distance between us, not quite as fast as I would. Using a spell here would be troublesome, I wait for him to get closer.

"Hehe, got you." he points the knife out. "[Enchantment: Fireball]!"

A ball of fire shoots out from the knife. I can't let it leave the alleyway, it could hit someone. I put up a layered barrier. The fireball crashes and dissipates, breaking only the first barrier. From down low the boss slashes at me. I lean back, the knife misses me by a hair's width.

"GUH!"

I send a kick into his stomach like the other person. I quickly put my right foot down to balance myself. Following up, I rush in to finish him with a stun.

"[Stun]!"

His body freezes up. One more to go. I pick up the man's dagger and point it towards the hooded person.

"Drop your weapon." I command.

"I don't listen to spell flingers." he mumbles disgusted.

He drops down low again and rushes forward. I ready myself for his attack. Another thrust, I parry it with the dagger and send my fist into the left side of his face. He falls to the ground without making another sound.

"T-thank you!" the woman bows to me profusely. "I've heard the rumors but I didn't think that you were real. Thank you for saving me."

"No problem."

Rumors? I haven't heard of them before.

"Miss." I say. "Could you call the guards?"

"Ah, yes." she leaves to find a guard to take the thugs away.

"I guess I should be leaving too." I say to myself.

"Uuu." I hear a groan.

The person I just punched was trying to escape. As if I'd let you. I approach with the intention to use stun. In the next instant I'm blinded by a black powder, a smoke bomb. I cover my face and throw my body to the wall, releasing a small light spell to allow me to see better.

"HAAAH!"

Though the smoke I can make out a silhouette. I grab the arm holding the knife and twist it.

"Gah!"

The knife falls to the floor. I pull the person in close and send another punch to their face. He falls to the ground again, I get ready to use stun. The smoke finally clears and the person laying down in front of me isn't a man but a girl. A girl and a smoke bomb.

Somehow I feel like I should know who she is, not on a personal level but I've seen her before. I didn't acknowledge her at the time but she's familiar. A thug, a thug. Aha! Got it, she's the one that attacked me on my first day here. I can't believe she's still running around. With the guards showing up soon she won't be out here for long, I send a stun her way and leave.

---------

I make my way back to my dorm. I got eight hours of sleep today already but I feel very very tired. I can't wait to go back to my lovely room and crawl into that big cold bed. I hope it's cold, I always feel better sleeping in a somewhat cold environment.

I push open the door to the lobby and start for the stairs.

"Wait!"

"Hmm?" I turn to look at the person.

"A letter for you sir."

I tense up. "T-thank you."

"My pleasure." the desk manager goes back and sits down.

I rush up the stairs and go to my room. I light the lantern and examine the envelope.

To Rainen Weaver, my older brother.