The nation of Potenceps was said to be one of the most technological and magically advanced countries in the known world. They were also said to be the only nation to ever truly study a person's mind, both magically and scientifically and as a result of this research, they came up with the concept called 'fight or flight syndrome'. This is used to describe what happens to an individual when they are put under a lot of stress by some kind of external threat. The brain reacts to this phenomenon by releasing chemicals into body, temporarily giving the person enhanced physical abilities - making them stronger, faster, more alert. The term 'fight' is one of the options a person in this situation can perform and flight is the other. For example, if a man gets lost in a forest and stumbles upon a bear, he has two options, fight the bear or flee (flight). The chemicals now flowing through his body will help him do any of tasks, thus increasing his chances of survival.

Kyle's body was currently going through this process and yet he could not do any of the two options for his body was being restrained by multiple unknown assailants. It has been several minutes since Kyle felt the embrace of a sack over his head, it seems whoever did that wants to take him somewhere.

Kyle has now somewhat regained his composure and is now trying to access the situation. Based on his knowledge of his surroundings and spatial awareness, it seems they are taking him to the arena. Who 'they' are, Kyle was pretty sure he knew. He could recognize the hushed voices and had been in a situation similar to this in the past... He was willing to bet his life on it being Ulfur and his goons.

They stopped moving for a second, it seems they are opening a very heavy door. It appears Kyle's speculation about their destination being the area is correct; but why?

Shorty after they entered the arena, Kyle felt the sack ripped of his face and he was then immediately thrown on to the ground. The air in Kyle's lung spilled as his back landed on the stone floor. In his dazed state he lifts his head and looks upon those who seem to want to do him harm.

"Get up Kyle." Ordered Ulfur.

"W-why are you doing this?" Kyle wheezed.

"Because I'm tired of you, you snivelling piece of shit. When I joined this place and I found out one of my classmates was a Hensworth, I was so excited. I grew up hearing stories about your family. Every single man was and is a mage, you know how rare that is? And then your brothers', You know Robert was the first mage in history to graduate a magic university at thirteen? His thesis about incantations and the languages of old has revolutionized the way we think about and cast magic. And your other brother Arthur, did you know there are primitive tribes of people in countries who worship that man. Some say there hasn't been a mage so powerful in Pontenceps in over three-hundred years. For fuck sake he uses light magic. Light magic! Do you know how rare that is?!"

Kyle was speechless and slightly awed by how much passion Ulfur's words contained about his family, he had absolutely no idea how to respond to him.

"And then there's you. When someone told me you were Kyle Hensworth, I couldn't believe it. I mean look at you! So small, so thin - yet somehow fat, so timid, so ugly... so weak. You are a stain on your families' name, heh, but you probably don't need me to tell you that. I can't stand you look at you, right now I just want to break that snivelling little face of yours. But I won't do that, well not at least without giving you the chance to defend yourself, and that's what I'm going to do my little friend, me and you are going to fight right now. Now get up."

Kyle's mind raced as salty liquid dribbled down his face. He barely understood Ulfur's words. Fight him, impossible! He might as well say he was committing suicide, for it's the same thing in Kyle's eyes.

"I said get up!"

Fight him? I can't do that, it's impossible, why am I here? I just wan-

A white flash of pain flooded Kyle's senses as he goes tumbling backwards; It appears Ulfur just kicked him.

"Did you not hear me? Get up you little cock-sucker before I hit you again."

Kyle didn't even hear Ulfur speak, his ears now ringing from the impact of hitting his head on the earth.

Now a slam to his chest was his reward for his disability and late reaction time. Another slam, then another. Kyle could feel his ribs creak and the last drop of air leave his body.

"Get the fuck up!" Roared Ulfur as he continued to stomp on Kyle's chest.

.........

Why is this happening to me? I've never bothered anyone. I've dedicated my life to not drawing attention to myself, but it doesn't help. My father hits me, my brothers hit me... my mother hitsme, and now my classmates hit me. Why? So what if I'm not as strong as my brothers, not as smart, as handsome - but I try dammit! Well, maybe not as much as I should, but I'm only fifteen for fuck sake! Stop expecting so much from me! Well fuck you dad, fuck you mum. fuck all of you! If I'm going to die, I'm at least going that wipe that smug look of your face Ulfur before I do...

As Kyle was thinking that final thought he gathered mana into his hand, more than he ever had before. Its shape crude but purpose clear.. Kyle willed the mana with all of his might to fire at Ulfur's face.

The raw bolt of mana soured towards Ulfur's face. It looked like victory was certain, but alas that was not the case. Ulfur swung his head backwards, dodging it by less than a hairs breath.

Surprise turned to anger on Ulfurs face as he realized he was almost bested by the bug under his shoe.

"Blurr von un mian vaspur handlock, da wul shantii da viper, grot vasfur el un drakk a vaspur pak'an." Whisperd Ulfur.

Suddenly water appeared in Ulfur's right hand, lots of it. More and more of it materialized out of thin air and started to warp into the shape of whip.

'Water whip?' Kyle thought. That's not possible! We haven't learned anything like that yet. I heard that Ufur already knew his attribute but I had no idea he could actually use it. And he casted it so quickly. I kn-

The pain that interrupted Kyle's thoughts could not ever be compared to the previous pain that was inflicted upon him. The whip felt more like a giant chain covered in knives than water.

Two lashes, three lashes... seven lashes... eighteen lashes... thirty-six,the number no longer matters for Kyle lost consciousness a long time ago...

"Stop now Ulfur, he's learned his lesson. Any more and we're going to have a dead body to worry about."

"Yeah man, stop."

"Oh relax, if I wanted to kill him, he'd be dead already."

"Well that's all well and good, but what are we going to do with him?"

"Just leave him there, I've got a teacher who's in on this, they'll sort it out."

"Man really? I didn't you know had that kind of connection. Remind me not to piss you off."

"haha, don't worry about it man... Alright, I've had my fun now. Let's go."

"Finally. I'm tired."

"Same, worked up quite a sweat."

And with that last comment, the gang left the arena, laughing all the way without a care in the world.

* * *

Kyle throws his head forward in a cold sweat. In a blur of frantic head movements, he attempts to access his surroundings. A white room, no window, a small table with a single flower in a vase on top of it. On a larger table, Kyle can see a pestle full of ground herbs and a mortar placed beside it.

It seems he is in sort of medical room, which makes sense considering what happened before he blacked out. Kyle throws the blanket covering his body off himself and stands up. His back stings, his legs immediately buckle and he stumbles. He can feel blood rushing into his legs, followed by the sensation of someone gently poking his legs with a thousand needles.

Why are my legs acting like they haven't been used in days?

It seems Kyle's antics has made quite a bit of noise, as a young woman in messy apron and a hairnet has appeared in the room.

"I was wondering when you were going to wake up." Stated the woman.

"Ergh. How long have I been here? It feels like forever."

"Five days."

"Five days! How? Why? Even with my injuries, a trained mage could heal me in less than an hour"

"True, but unfortunately no mages were available to assist in your recovery."

"What!? We're in a magic university! I was beaten by my classmates and not a single mage could spare an hour of time to heal me in these days!"

"It appears so." Replied the woman with a wry smile.

Kyle's cheeks flushed and his fists shook with rage.

What the fuck is going on?! Are the teachers helping Ulfur and his goons. I know I'm not a popular kid but this is ridiculous. My only sin is that I'm not as perfect as the rest of my family...

Well fuck 'em. I can't take this anymore! I'm getting out of this corrupted place... But where do I go? I can't go back home. If my family finds out I quit they'll kill me. If I have to see my family, I'll kill myself.. I don't need them. I have money, magic and malagorificence! Is that even a word? I don't care. I've got to leave this place but where do I go? Can't stay in Vornn, my family is going to hunt me down when the university tells them I'm missing. The only option is to leave the country...Yeah not a bad idea. Somewhere people have never even heard of Hensworth name, yeah, that's what I'll do. What could possibly go wrong..?

The woman had a concerned look on her face as she watched this boy standing motionless for several minutes, occasionally mumbling to himself.

"Are you all right?" She asked.

Kyle suddenly started marching forward, ignoring the woman with the strong intention to go to his dorm room.

Completely oblivious the odd looks and jeers people gave him as he walked out in the open with nothing but his underwear and hot pain of his wounds re-opening.

He stormed through his door, got dressed, gathered all of his things in multiple bags and headed off, not looking back once.

Fuelled by sheer passion. Kyle marched and marched until he finally found Vornn's docks.

He walked up to a burly man whom was barking orders at a bunch of other scary looking men.

"Let me board your ship."

"Eh, what ye be sayin' lad? You crazy? I can't b takin' some wee pup into sea on notin' more on his askin'. Now be away with ya!"

With that response, Kyle pulled out a pouch of gold coins and dropped it in front of the ship captain.

"Should 'ave done that to start with boy. Where you wantin' be goin'?" Said the salty man as he picked up a coin and bit into it.

"As far as your ship goes." He declared.

"You sure boy? It’s a dangerous trip and don't mind me sayin' but you don't look the toughest piece of mackerel I ever did see."

"I'll be fine. Just take there."

"Well if you insist me boy, if you insist."

"So, when do leave?"

With a wide grin. "Why, now me boy!"

Kyle's face now mirrored the captains.