"Wake up," a feminine voice said.

"Wake up," the voice said again.

"Wake up..." the voice dulled down.

"WAKE UP!" the voice yelled, completely waking me up.

Clenching my eyes, I wailed my hand in the air. "I don't want to."

*SPLASH*

Water dripped down my face, reaching my mouth. Gasping for air, I rubbed my eyes, opening them.

Tehla held an empty glass, and she was unsettled, looking down at me. "Any day now, you're late!"

I gaped at Tehla, tugging my lips down to the left. Slumping off of my bed and out a deep sigh, I whispered. "Thanks for the drink."

There had to have been a better way to wake me up, but I didn't care enough to argue.

"Plenty more left if you don't hurry up!" Tehla crossed her arms, tapping her right finger.

Waving at Tehla, I slumped towards the shower. "I can take care of the rest."

After my typical morning routine, I arrived at the training facility. Luckily, I was refreshed and energetic. Not having to deal with Alren's science bullshit was helpful. I wasn't sure why Alren didn't summon me, but I wasn't complaining. After all, the event that occurred yesterday was daunting, to say the least.

"Welcome," Forsona quipped as she continued her spar against Mythrn.

Melia and Bertin were both sitting on a couch in the break area.

Standing up, Bertin yelled. "Give me 40!"

"Huh?" I furrowed my eyebrow, displaying a blank expression.

"Give me 50!"

Rolling my eyes, I got into a pushup position. I began pushups, counting each one. "One... two... three..."

Sweat accumulated on my face, dripping down onto the concrete floor. "...Forty-Five, Forty-Six, Forty-Seven, Forty-Eight, Forty-Nine... F-f-f-fifty!"

Allowing myself to fall onto the floor, I rolled around. I took in deep breaths as I stared at the wall. Wiping the sweat off my face, I remained gasping for air.

"Alright, put this on," Bertin said, throwing some type of clothing onto my face.

I got up, holding the clothing. It was some sort of combat attire. The items of clothing were a black-colored shirt and pants, but with blue pads around certain areas.

"During official practices, members must wear combat uniform," Bertin affirmed, tapping his feet.

I carefully inspected everyone's attire, discerning they were all wearing combat uniforms.

"Any day now! Go to the changing room and get ready," Bertin said, pointing towards a room.

Quickly running to that room, I found multiple locker-like areas. I changed into the mobile-tight-fit combat clothing. The pads were quite an interesting idea as they reminded me of the pads used in American Football.

Placing my school uniform into the locker cabinet, I ran out of the room. I reckoned that I could have put my clothes into my wristband, but I had to go back to that room to change anyway, so there was no point.

I closed my eyes, jumping up and down.

Yesterday was a humble reminder that not everything would keep going my way, and I was nothing more than a rat in front of everyone. I truly was foolish for believing that this new life was for me. I just happened to be born into this world. That was why I wanted... No, I needed to adapt to this world. Be it becoming stronger or living life as an experiment. I would adapt.

Opening my eyes, I asserted. "I'm ready."

Bertin opened his mouth, getting ready to talk. But before he could, Forona interrupted him.

"I want to spar with Melia!" Forsona sassed, staring at Melia.

"If it's a rematch you want, that's fine. But the results will be the same." Melia scoffed, walking towards the stairs.

Forsona followed her, clenching her fist, burning red from anger. "I'll win."

Bertin placed his hand on his face, massaging his forehead. "Can't I have one day where people listen to orders?" Shaking his head, he placed his hand on his chin. Glancing at Mythrn and me, he sighed. "We'll practice formations."

I raised my hand out of instinct, ready to ask a question. But before I could do so, Bertin clarified. "Formations are numerous depending on the activity. But I'll keep it simple and review formations."

Waving his hand, Mythrn walked towards the rest area. "I'll sit this one out."

Letting out another sigh, Bertin reverted his attention to me. "Formations are used in multiple scenarios. Be it battle or even Headmaster Vafaren's antic competitions." Bertin took out his spear from his ring. "Formations are dependent on the magic users present. Of course, you wouldn't put your conjurer on the front field. Likewise, you wouldn't keep your augmenter in the back."

Without warning, Bertin hurled his spear towards my hip.

I fell to the floor, face first. Getting up, I created eye contact. "Why?"

Shaking my head, I glanced at the floor. Turning my magic on, I took out my dull blades, positioning myself for another attack.

"Hmm, I even went slow. Quite disappointing!" Bertin smiled, continuing to talk about formations. "Offense, defense, and neutral are the terms we use for formation types. Of course, there are different varieties in each type. But for now, understanding positioning is pivotal."

"I believe you're a naturally talented conjurer. It only makes sense for you to be the conjurer in formation."

I cleared my throat, raising my hand. "I would rather be an augmenter. It fits my abilities more."

Bertin shrugged, doubting my claim. "You're more proficient with conjuring. Your magic output clearly shows that."

Creating a stern face, I gripped my daggers. "From what I know, augmentation fits my magic type more."

Scratching his head, Bertin formed a big smile. "No need to get so defensive. You do you, little man. You'll need to learn both classifications of magic anyway, so no worries."

Bertin's smile lowered as he narrowed his eyes. He lifted his right arm, extending his spear to my right.

I pivoted to the right as his spear grazed my left arm.

"Now getting hit, you'll have to worry about that." Bertin laughed, shifting his eyes back onto me.

I shifted my right foot forward, set my left one backward, and positioned my daggers in front of my body.

Bertin dashed forward, swinging his spear towards my hip.

I hopped backward, swinging both my arms forward to my side. Both my daggers were placed in front of the incoming spear.

My eyes locked onto the lance when suddenly, the lance split into two, each split molding itself around my weapons.

"SHIT," I yelled, dropping both my weapons. I didn't know what kind of magic Bertin used, but he was able to mold metal with ease. Raising my hands in the air, I closed my eyes. "I surrender."

"Your magic is weak, other than slight augmentation. You don't use your magic," Bertin said, remodeling his lance back to its original form.

It was obvious why my magic was lacking. Still, it wasn't like I could simply tell Bertin that I had recently become a mage.

I smiled, showing my teeth. "I'm pretty weak when it comes to magic."

"Yeah, you are, and that's an understatement," Bertin remarked, picking up my daggers and handing them to me.

'Thanks for holding back,' I gritted my teeth and smiled. Wanting to punch that brat's smirk, I instead closed my eyes. I opened my eyes, placing my daggers away. "So, how can I get better at magic?"

Bertin remained with his easy-going expression. "Hmm, there's no definitive answer for that. Magic is a game of patience. Usually, mages develop over time. Though some sporadic improvement is possible, it's not reliable."

Rubbing my temple, I looked up at him. "So what should I do? I need to improve my magic."

"Calm down, hotshot. Improvement for mages usually suggests combat. Honestly, your combat skills aren't half bad. So, if we ignore that. Then all you need to do is incorporate your magic." Bertin shook his head, emphasizing. "You need to be more creative with your magic. Simply augmenting your body won't do."

He continued, getting closer to me. "Chill out. You're too hasty. You have a lot of time to get better." He smiled, closing his eyes. "Sure, some of us train for honor, glory, and future ambitions. But all of that doesn't mean shit if you don't enjoy the process. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process."

I nodded, pretending to agree. "You're right. I should ease up..."

Was he right?

No.

He wasn't right because I couldn't ease up, not even for a second. I was training to become more proficient as a mage.

Not for my ambitions but because others relied on my success. After all, I was a specimen whose sole purpose was experimentation. If I didn't live up to expectations, I'd be disregarded. I needed to show magical advances. It wasn't to enjoy a damn process.

Still, there was a lingering thought inside me wanting to hold onto this childish ideal. Perhaps I was intrigued by everyone around me because I yearned for their lives. I yearned to be a regular child without my current worries.

Tapping my shoulder, Bertin grinned. "Sources are saying the next tournament is soon to be announced. We need to get you ready for it." He extended his hand, waiting for me to shake it. "Let's enjoy the process!"

I gripped his hand, firmly shaking it. He likewise firmly shook my hand.

"Go clear your mind. We’ll end training for today." He said, growing a half-smile. He walked towards the rest area, sitting near a meditating Mythrn.

I walked into the changing room, changing into my uniform. Straightening out my clothing, I placed the practice gear into my wristband. The wristband I possessed was a lifesaver, and it made me wonder. 'A bracelet like this is something only possible because of manipulators. Am I in the wrong for not pursuing manipulation?'

Shaking my head, I waved at Bertin and Mythrn.

Reaching outside, I closed my eyes. I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air cool my body. Exhaling was even more pleasant, almost like all my negativity was released.

"You actually are in Bertin's team!" A voice yelled, coming from below me.

"Didn't we already talk about this?" I scoffed, flicking Ash on the head.

Ash was still in shock, not retorting a snarky comment like he usually would.

Rubbing my eyes, I re-opened the door, pulling Ash with me into the building.

"What are you doing?" He looked at me wide-eyed, trying to resist my pulling, but it was useless as I was stronger than him. I yelled, trying to get Bertins attention. "Yo, Bertin!"

Bertin and Mythrn were both sparring on the first floor.

Looking my way, Bertin screamed. "What's the matter? Kinda busy here!"

Showing my teeth, I grew a big smile. "Can Ash join the group?"

Bertin defended Mythrn's attack, manipulating the force, using his weird magic to envelop his metal on Mythrn's blade.

"What are you doing?!" Ash squeaked, trying to escape my grip.

Bertin quickly looked my way, answering. "I have no idea who that is!"

"He's the child next to me. I'll take responsibility for him!"

Bertin laughed, repositioning himself for another attack. "Sure, but make sure he doesn't complain! We need more members anyways."

"Thanks," I shouted, letting Ash pull me out of the building.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Ash punched me in the stomach.

Laughing at his punch, I rubbed his head. "Now, you don't have to wait out here."

Ash showed his teeth, clenching them out of anger. He placed his hands on his head, walking in circles. "What did you do! What did you do! What did you do!!!"

"Shouldn't you be thanking me?" I stood tall, lifting my head.

It was reasonable for me to have Ash as a part of this fiasco. I rather not have Ash questioning me every day, plus having another person my age couldn't hurt. I mean, Ash was technically my age...

Ash remained dazed, staring at me.

"You should be thanking me!" I smiled, placing my arm around Ash. "Let's go to the library. I need to research some aspects."

Ash had his hand placed on his forehead, ignoring me. Regardless, he still followed me to the library.

"Good afternoon," the librarian sang, waving at us.

"Good afternoon," I replied, passing her.

I sat at the same table as yesterday. Taking out the classification book, I placed it on the table.

"What classification are you, Ash?" I questioned, staring at the dwarf. Ash sat next to me with his head on the table.

Lifting his head, Ash finally acknowledged my existence. "I'm an augmenter." He placed his head back down, banging it softly on the desk.

"Mind teaching me some tricks?" I asked, locking eyes with Ash.

"I really hate you," he whispered, lifting his head.

After a brief moment of awkward silence, Ash shook his head. "We've only known each other for a short period, and you're already causing me trouble."

"I'm sorry-"

"There's no need to be sorry for something that I'm happy about. I'm just mad that I couldn't do it myself," Ash placed his head back on the table. Lifting his head, he looked down at me, then up at my face. "Thank you."

"Your welcome?" I questioned, narrowing my eyes. I wasn't sure what Ash was alluding to, but I didn't have ulterior motives other than wanting another person my age with me. Shrugging, I stood up. "I'm going to get some books for manipulation, then we'll get some Albread."

Nodding his head, Ash slumped his head back onto the table.

I took a few books regarding manipulation and augmentation. The librarian was kind and helpful as usual. She generously showed me around and even gave me different difficulties in books regarding various topics. I felt as if I robbed a store with the variety of books I now had. Thankfully, she allowed it without question.

After the library, Ash and I left to eat at Alfred's shop.

Luckily, it was a calm and refreshing moment. Simply enjoying food was a pleasure that I couldn't explain. It was blissful, to say the least. If only I could have cherished those moments... If only...

Regardless, I did the same routine, walked home, ate, and slept.

Alren not summoning me helped me with extra sleep. I'd need it, for the next day would be revolutionary.