“Time to wake up.” Nel says, standing over the side of the bed, “If you’re wanting to check on the combat classes today, you might want to stretch this morning.”

She’s already dressed for the day and is tidying up her own bed to the side of me. Vii is also up and about, stretching and hopping around as she chirps a light tune.

“Defensive techniques, combat techniques, tactical command, wilderness survival, combat training, beast taming.” I list the different classes that I’m needing to visit, trying to memorise them before I leave.

“That’s right.” Nel says moving on to Eshya, “Are you alright this morning?”

“Graaaaah.” She moans in vague displeasure, before yawning and stumbling from the bed. “I’m good. I’m okay. Today’s a good day.”

As she’s talking to herself, I walk over and give her a hug, “I’m glad that you’re feeling better. You are better, yes?”

“Yeah, it doesn’t usually stick around for any longer than a day.” She explains with a long happy sigh, followed by a yawn, “We’re checking on the combat course today?”

“Yep.” I reply, separating from her and getting myself ready. “We’ve got a long list of classes to visit today, so I hope you’re ready.”

“I am.” She replies, stumbling and falling over herself, “I mean, I will be.”

“Kyra,” Vii says, as I get ready, “I’ve noticed that your use of Skills has been a little… there is something left to be desired.”

“Don’t I just need to do whatever, then the Skills will start working on their own?” I say.

“Sort of,” Vii says, “As I suspected, you don’t really know how to fully use them. With the right focus you can force the support device to recognise anything you’re doing as a Skill.”

“I think I heard something like this before…” I grumble, but the memory is fuzzy. Those days training under Red were so very busy…

“Does this mean that I can reorganise that mess of a system?” I ask, thinking of the classes list that I still have to skim through whenever I want to look through my Skills and mana stats.

“No, as I understand, that’s a new feature. You can’t mess with that at the moment. The actual Skills you can though.”

There is an added ‘class’ to list my ‘unclassed’ Skills under, so it’s not like I can’t see them at least. Even if it’s a bit poorly set out.

“You’ll want to do something while thinking of it as a Skill, with time you’ll get a feel for the process. It is incredibly useful, and would make class that much easier.”

“Can I make a Skill out of it?”

“I… maybe… huh… a Skill for making Skills. I never actually thought of that…” Vii mumbles.

“I’ll endeavour to work on it then…” I say with a yawn.

Once dressed we head down to the first-floor café for breakfast. Nel is already working, but the rest of us sit at a few small tables on the side of the room. A handful of other students are around, though not many groups as large as ours.

“So, what have you planned for the day.” Adler asks.

“Combat class stuff,” I say. “Though perhaps we should take the day off, considering how Eshya was feeling yesterday.”

“No, no, no.” Eshya steps in, “I want to check out these classes today.”

“Even if you’re feeling better, we haven’t had the chance to spend much time together. It’s all classes, and training and things…” I sigh, thinking back to my old dreams of what I’d get up to when I got a girlfriend. Going on dates and having romantic moments.

“We’ve spent plenty of time together.” Eshya says, “Just because I wasn’t in the mood last night…”

“I was talking about romance.” I reply with a sigh.

“I can do romance.” Vii says cheerily, rubbing at her chin, “Though… there aren’t many good places here for a good romantic scene.”

“A good romantic scene?” Nel asks, delivering some breakfast to our table. Unlike the restaurant we don’t have the same sort of magical service here.

“Kyra was wanting some romance.” Vii says, and for some reason it feels so freaking awkward to hear it said like that.

“Romance…” She says, touching at her chin in thought. “There are a few nice places here, but… leave it to me. Come back here when you’re finished with class, I’ll have something ready.”

“Nel?” I ask after her, but she’s already leaving.

“Just leave it to me.” She says with an endearing smile. I’m left to wonder what she’s got planned for us as I’m chewing on some alien toast, that doesn’t taste quite right.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

According to Adler, all of the classes we want to visit today, apart from defensive techniques, are currently being handled by the same teacher during the introductory week.

The grassy field is the same as I saw of it before, but the air over the field is certainly far more tense. The four of us are given the side eye by the tall man who’s leaning against a tree as if without a care in the world.

He looks wolfish, with grey fur covering his limbs, tall ears atop his head, and a short snout on his wolf-like face. Like a werewolf stuck halfway through the change, though this one isn’t covering himself up in shame and screaming at me to get out until he’s finished changing.

“So, we’ve got some overeager little warriors, have we?” He asks, sounding rather unimpressed.

“Not overeager. An appropriate measure of eagerness.” My elvish friend responds, swallowing hard on her frustration.

“I’m just here to figure out what the combat course is about,” I say, “Seems like the sort of thing we’d best be prepared for.”

“Yep, yep, all that.” Vii adds.

“I’m Adler, the welfare officer in charge of these three.” Adler says, with her back straight, meeting the much taller teacher’s eyes.

He turns back to us after giving her an appreciative nod.

“And what do you want from the combat course?” He asks us, his bright yellow eyes glaring into each of ours.

“To develop my talents,” Eshya quickly replies.

“What do I want?” I ask, “A basic measure of competency from the teachers and lessons. From what I’ve learned of your civilisation so far, I have some deep concerns about what I’ll be learning here, in the combat classes especially. I want to be provided with the necessary tools to survive should one of your ships crash in rebel territory again.”

“Hm…” Vii hums quietly at my side, scribbling something down in her little red book.

Our ‘teacher’ meanwhile, is watching me quietly, his golden eyes a little more focused on me now. I meet his gaze and refuse to turn away.

Perhaps it would be smarter to play along with whatever games he’s playing, but I really don’t have the energy or the time to waste on it. As far as I’m aware I haven’t said anything that would offend Adler too greatly, and she’s the one I really have to be mindful of.

“Fine, it seems you lot shouldn’t be troublemakers. My name is Freid, and I’ll be in charge here.” He says, before turning to address our minder, “I hope that you’ll continue watching over them and provide what assistance you can for their classes.

“With that, I suppose we’ll get started. Set aside what you think about combat, we’ll address your misconceptions later.” He says, giving only a brief glance to ensure that there are no interested students looking to join us at the last moment.

“First things first. When participating in activities and in training, you will have to take great care to avoid developing any ‘beastly’ traits.”

Before I have a chance to ask, he looks back at me and continues, “I understand that many from the lesser civilisations don’t fully understand, but I’ll try to explain what I can. Aggressiveness and loudness are the two most noted aspects, but any tendency towards violence, or in our case, performing violence with any nature of thrill, enjoyment, or satisfaction is… not good.

“Adler here should be observing you for any of these traits. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with her.”

“If you don’t mind my question, just to clarify the translation, you mentioned aggression? Does this include non-violent aggression? Aggressively studying, or applying myself to a hobby, for instance?”

He pauses a moment, looking back to me. “Assertiveness is what you’re referring to. It’s fine. It’s different.” He says, meeting my eyes for a few moments longer before nodding and moving along.

“I’m in charge of the combat course as a whole and oversee all the combat classes, though there are other teachers in charge of the individual lessons. Is there anything that you don’t understand?”

“What exactly is a course? We’ve been talking about different classes and this combat course, but is it just the distinction of those who are taking combat classes with a focus on graduating into combat focused work?”

“Ah, sometimes I forget how little some of you know.” He says with a sigh.

“You are free to choose whichever classes interest you, but each class is bound to its own course, in this case the combat course.

“Your course is dictated by your talents, and you will have somewhat different lives here dependant on what course you are attached to. As combat course students, you will be expected to participate in special training exercises and excursions, which students of other courses cannot join.

“Beyond that it is largely used to categorize different classes to assist in management and assignment of teachers. Was there anything else you wanted to ask about?”

“I want to know more about the classes we’re going to be attending.” I say with a shrug, confirming with the others that there aren’t any other pressing questions.

“Which classes were you interested in?”

“Combat techniques, combat training, wilderness survival, and tactical command.” I say, the other combat classes were nothing that we needed to learn about yet, “There was also defensive techniques, but apparently that’s something else? Oh, and beast taming.”

“Defensive techniques covers topics for non-combat course students as well. Many need those defensive Skills for harsh environments and work conditions. You will want to take that class, but the combat application will be taken care of in the combat training class instead.

“Combat techniques will be closely tied to your combat training class. Everyone forms slightly different fighting styles, so we’ll assist you in planning out your own training regime with whatever weapons you end up choosing.

“There is space in the park to practice the safer of these techniques but don’t do so without proper oversight from a teacher.

“The beast taming class we don’t have any introductory classes for at the moment; rather, all combat students will be introduced to it when class properly begins.”

I nod along, as we continue to walk through the park. It extends for longer than it seemed to when looking at it from above.

“There are theoretical classes held here for the wilderness survival and tactical command classes, but the practical half of these will be done off-world on a safe world governed by a second grade civilisation. As combat course students you’ll be heading out there every second week.”

“Wait, we’re leaving the academy?” I ask, nervous at the thought of jumping on another ship and heading to another world. Again.

“Every second week. Like I said. There isn’t any wilderness here to train you with, and there isn’t the sort of space needed for dedicated tactical command training either.”

“What sort of world are we going to?” Vii asks, suddenly excited, “It can’t be any of the toxic or radioactive worlds with our weak mana forms. I hope there’ll be forests and oceans.”

“Forests, oceans, a few deserts.” He shrugs, “There are a few worlds you’ll be visiting, and you’ll be tasked with a few simple hunts for the wilderness survival classes, so the worlds can’t be too dangerous.

“Moving on, these classes are important so don’t think that you can just make it by with the combat training alone while trying to overcome your talents.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be taking this seriously.” Eshya says, and the teacher nods his head slowly in response.

“The next important thing is to explain to you the process of a proper fight. This is the part that most students fail to understand at first, and it can trouble warriors even later into their careers.

“A fight must always progress through certain stages if you want to protect your soul from undue damage.” I try to refrain from cringing as he says as much.

“The first stage is identification. You must make the distinction between an intelligent life form and a wild beast. While either can be beastly, the former can be developed into civilised beings much easier, and more efforts should be taken to preserving their lives.

“The second stage of a fight is to subdue the enemy. You will use combat techniques to force an enemy into submission and ensure that they can no longer cause any harm. It is critical that you avoid killing during this stage.

“The final stage is split between execution and capture. If the situation allows for it, and the resources are available, then you should choose to collar the beast that you have fought and bring them to appropriate facilities for treatment.

“Otherwise, you will have to execute the beast, it must be done without passion and without pleasure. It must be regarded as the grim task that it is. Adler will provide great assistance learning this properly.”

“So, we have to subdue an enemy without killing it, just to kill it afterwards? Isn’t that extra dangerous, and difficult?” I ask, “Also, isn’t it worse killing something when it can’t fight back?”

“An odd idea that’s too common among third grade civilisations.” Adler laments, “The task of killing must always be regarded as grim, and it should never be done passionately. So long as you are trained appropriately you will never have to face an enemy that is beyond your capability to deal with.

“It should never be difficult, or dangerous.”

That sounds crazy deluded.

“You’re going to be with us when we have to fight?” I ask.

“I will be.”

“Good.” We’ll have a meat shield should things go wrong. Maybe after seeing how ‘safe’ a fight is, she’ll change her mind.

“Next is to understand what combat roles you’ll be working towards. Largely summarised between the hunters and the military. Hunters focus upon wild beasts, while the military works against beastly civilisations.

“There is still overlap, as you three should understand well enough already. There were hunters defending your vessel when it was attacked, and the army were the ones who overwhelmed the rebels that were holding you.

“Your training will cover both specialisations for this reason, but you will still separate into one of the two upon graduation.”

Yay, so not just the years of education, but also pressed into military service right after. Great stuff. Really loving these people, and their superior morals.

“Focus and work hard. In three months time you’ll go on your first full excursion and you will want to be prepared.”

“Excursion? How is that different from the off-world training? It sounds like you expect it to be dangerous.”

“It can be dangerous if you’re unprepared. You’ll have a few tasks that you can choose between, and your results will be reflected on your records.” He explains, “There are a number of worlds and different targets that will be available, some more dangerous than others. Essentially, you’ll be working as hunters for a short while.”

To my side, Eshya is bouncing on her heels at hearing as much, clearly keen on the idea of going out and getting into some more fights.

“That seems too soon.” I tell him plainly, “Are you short on hunters? I can’t think of any other reason you’d be sending clearly inexperienced students out to get themselves killed.”

I don’t count our experiences, as, to be fair, our experience is more suited to being the ones hunted rather than the other way around.

“There’ll be tasks appropriate for your abilities, but yes, I’ll admit you are all dangerously weak,” He agrees, ignoring my comment on hunters.

“It isn’t meant to be dangerous.” Adler says, sounding concerned.

“That’s the difference between the theory and the practice.” Freid says, “Things are dangerous out there and getting worse… even if we’re not meant to say it.”

Adler looks properly shocked at his words, but he either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care.

“Do you want to get a head start on practical lessons?”

“Yes, please!” Eshya jumps at the opportunity.

“Why not,” I say, stretching my arms glad that I remembered to wear my second set of clothes. My dress would be rather unsuitable attire for this.

“I’m ready, too.” Vii says, tucking her little red journal to her leg holster.

The field around us opens up as we walk out past a few trees. Stepping down a set of worn and unadorned stairs, we enter what I can only think to be an arena cut into the earth.

The artistry of the structure is far rougher than anywhere else in the school, while also worn down far worse. That isn’t to suggest that it isn’t well maintained, in fact, it’s rather well swept, and it would seem those who use this space have respect for it.

“These is our training grounds,” Teach declares over the roar of the battle unfolding below. A beast fighting against a student.

The student, a minotaur, wields a massive sword about equal to his own 2 metres in height. He swings it wide in a powerful arc that ends in the side of the wounded beast. The sound of cracking bone is so loud that I can hear it from up here.

The creature he fights looks much like some undiscovered, scaled dinosaur. It has two powerful back legs and a pair of comparatively scrawny front legs, even though it’s fighting on all fours. Its muscular tail is pressed into the sands behind it, ready to launch the creature ahead.

Its massive back legs push it forwards in a charge at the student as its chipped fangs bear down on him, nearly catching the minotaur.

Dipping to the side, the student is quick to counterattack, cutting up at the exposed belly of the beast before stepping further back in retreat as the creature slashes out with sharp claws.

The beast is bleeding enough that I can hardly believe that it still stands and fights. The sands at their feet so well wet with blood that I can hear the squelching steps of the monster as it pushes itself one last time.

The minotaur accepts it’s charge, readying his sword and setting his feet. My skin prickles as I watch.

The is no glow as there was in Red’s daggers as she threw them. His sword doesn’t suddenly start radiating a red light, or anything the sort, but I can feel that there is magic in it.

The monster charges with a deep, raw bellow, it’s feet sending clumps of bloodied sand flying behind it. The weight and momentum alone would kill me, and I doubt I’d be able to dodge that attack.

The minotaur isn’t like me. He moves a step to the side at the last moment, like some otherworldly matador. Carried on by momentum, the beast falls and slams into the wall beyond.

He approaches the twitching body, bowing his head before he lines his sword up with its chest and thrusts deep into its flesh. The creature lets out one last grunt as it finally let’s go of life.

Freid looks anything but impressed.

“Shin!” Freid calls out to the student, “Get the beast out of the arena and get it processed. Next time, don’t cause so much damage and take more time before the execution. I doubt you were of calm mind during that kill!”

The student rushes to bow to the teacher before gathering a few of his friends to help drag the still twitching corpse from the bloodied sands. Countless bleeding wounds cover the flesh of the creature, so much so that one of its legs falls off as the students drag the corpse along.

“Well, I think you can see what this is for,” Freid says, “It’s something of a ritual for us combat course students to get some experience on the first day. To see how they respond and to give the welfare officers an idea of what they have to work with.

“So, who’s up first?”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stats & Skills

~Mana Form:

Current mana density: 124 units

~Mana distribution:

Skin: 21%

Muscle: 8%

Mind: 8%

Cardiovascular: 8%

Misc.: 3%

Efficiency: 48%

~Skills:

-Mana skin

-Mana shield.

-Mana surge strike

-Flame burst

-Fireball

-Infused Delayed Casting