Walking into the Courtyard, all the thousand students of the school were lined up neatly in formation and under a terrace, standing in formation were two men. They seemed like hardened warriors as they stood stoic and frozen. With the two joining them, they didn’t even turn to look as they watched their Disciples stand in the sea of affluent students.
Soon, the headmaster starts his speech. “Students of Saint Bernthal, please let us begin the morning inspection and prayer.” They stood tall and with class, with each section divided between Men and Women. The professors then began their walk. Jackson was reminded of his days in the military as they stood so still that even he was impressed by their control and their ability to know by feeling whether they were in line or not.
Even under the coming heat season, they still wore their silk and woolen uniforms with sleeves and capes. Some even bare gold chains to hold it with their jackets. Walking along the side, the Knight could detect the stares of the men as the Captain walked so elegantly behind him. “You are doing this on purpose aren’t you?” The blonde ponytailed girl just rested her left hand on his shoulder and gave him a pretentious smile. “What? Gotta motivate the young ones. Look at how hard they have it.” he facepalms as even though her armor still accentuates her feminine figure and the heels on her sabaton gave her a seductive appeal.
He couldn’t even feel a tinge of lust except for when she’d look at him. Through the layers of armor she had, there was just so much on the way and the cape behind her hid her rear. Which made him curious of how the young man was able to get aroused by her sight. “What? You aren’t into women in armor?” This made Jackson recoil as he stopped under the shade. “Who says that? I am totally into women in armor. Many of us are.” he looks up to the skies and could remember back in the Middle East.
Inside the airbase as he drank some water, just getting off the cargo plane. There was an artist in pilot overalls drawing an adult anime girl in full plate on the nose of one of their Su-25 Frogfoots with the text “Armor Hunter” while the F-15E next to it was getting a Vampire Gothic Loli art, the little framed woman had bat wings and a full gown and written in a victorian style lettering is “Nightstalker”.
“Now that I remember it, the art of the girl was also blonde but her plate armor was more inclined with the normal metal color than yours, since you people in the Church really like polish, don’t you?” She looks at her well kept outfit, not a dent or scratch could be found on the metal plates and it was all properly cleaned and cared for. “Of course. We need to stand out, though your world might be over the need to be presentable, looking at how your soldiers and skeletons are dressed. We in Threa value looks and presentation over everything.” he nods as they continue walking along the sidelines.
The Male professors inspected the Lords while the Female Nuns inspected the Ladies. They’d only point at a part of a student's body and they’d silently stand, watching to see if he or she would be able to find it. Poised and stoic, they were akin to drill sergeants more than people of education. Poignant in their aura and appearance, you can’t help but feel a demeaning fright as they’d pass you.
So far, only a handful failed and they immediately knew what was wrong with their uniform, be it the black cape that goes over their shoulder or their tunic and slacks having some sort of wrinkle to it. Others got their embroidered badge of the school on the cape pointed and they noticed the small itty bitty hair coming out of it.
One of the younger students was about to pull it out but the Professor lightly placed his hand on his and shrugged. The old man then opened his palm and used magic to cut it completely off, cleaning his badge. The teenager just nodded and he went on to the next line.
The Eldest ones were in the back, though they also have younger members, they all seemingly have a majority of the age while nearer to the front are the more youthful students and their in straight view of the Headmaster unlike the ones in the back whose more covered by the other classes and years.
As the last Professor reached the back, they raised blue flags either physical or magical ones and the Headmaster nodded. The guards then closed the gate just as a speeding carriage arrived. Exiting out, the young man vaults over the tall gates as if he weighs nothing and uses magic on himself to accelerate his jog into thrice of its original speed. Arriving just in the nick of time before the morning prayer was about to commence. Jackson, who was near the place where the other Watchers were, notices a familiar person. “Is that Rentsoss?” The teenager was visible as he put his shoulder cape on and swiped his badge clean and jointed his class without missing a single beat.
“Count Lushu Rentsoss? Ah, that is him. You have a good eye, Jackson. He was far quicker than I’d expect but that’s what makes the Rentsoss family hold the reputation they have now.”
The man then walks into the rear with no one daring to stop or question him as he joins in with his class.
“Ahem. Master Rentsoss, Senior of the Five Brothers. May I ask of your late attendance?” The mighty voice of the old man rang out like spoken gospel into the grounds and no one dared to look back as the Headmaster questioned the handsome young man. He then exited the formation and walked into the middle aisle and only bowed. Not saying a single word. “Hmph. Carry on then.”
Going back into the line, the Headmaster summons one of the Professors, an Elf with a violet toga and whispers something into his ears. The Humanoid nodded with a stoic expression and then went back down the podium.
“Now, everyone, recite the University Mission and Vision and the Grace of Deus Vrax.”
“We of Saint Berthal University aim for the mastery of elegance, perfection of warfare, greatness in politics and glory in victory. We shall-”
As the students recited the Mission, Jackson started to look around for Bannir and immediately spotted him in the back alongside Rentsoss and the other students of his class. He counted fifty of them, twenty being women.
Having a ponytailed blonde hair, he stood out as the other students, most having black and some having brown or auburn hair all had their own standing, though there were odd ones with sky blue colored hair or green. Making them apart from one another while the females have all sorts of expensive ornaments on them, others braiding them into all sorts of styles. With one, he notices having the same crown braid style even though the length of their hair all mismatches.
Quietly observing everything as the vision was being recited, Jackson inspected all he could with his eyes. The University was made out of bricks that’s layered with concrete, glass windows were everywhere, and the garden in the Courtyard was extremely well trimmed out and taken care of. On the arches along the shaded sideline were art of Dragons and Knights of the Kingdom on the middle top and the bottom. Everything was touched with either a sculpture or color.
The decorations around the place ranged from statues of Historical Knights to even Dragons, Griffins, and in others, mostly the pillars next to the doors having the seal of the school. A striking image of a Shield that’s divided into four parts. A Book, a Quill, a Sword, and a Coin pouch.
“Jackson, what do you plan to do again if you find out that there is a connection?”
“Tell you and then my commanders. As per our agreement, I’ll let you take the evidence. I just need a copy.”
“See, I was thinking, that would mean the direct involvement of the Outworlders. Are you sure this is the best method? So far, your people have been keen on staying away from our affairs as much as possible.”
“I feel like we’re running out of time for us to just sit in the back and continue to nudge you guys in a certain direction. This whole war they're doing in Schon, to keep the people in check is just a waste of what leftover time we have left and it's getting annoying at this point.”
“I see… you are correct. But I doubt our response will be as fast. Do you know where the Pope is currently?”
“No idea. Last I heard he was going to the Elven Empire Capital of some sort.”
“He’s heading to the Imperial Capital of the High Elves. Elvennur. Those aren’t some mere rumors, that’s a fact.”
Jackson’s eyes widens and he turns to her. Blinking multiple times upon hearing the information. “How… wait, huh? How come you even know this? Isn’t this information only talked about from the Nobles?” He then scratches his head remembering the Winter Season End Party at the Castle and he never saw her there. “Are you paying someone or have a close relationship with a person who has a high rank?”
The man standing next to him nudges him and shushes the man. “Oops. Sorry.” She then nudges him. Making the man gruff like a sailor at sea. “Hee-hee. I have my connections. I was taught many things in my time as a Noble girl.” She then nudges at him again, making him sigh. “I heard the Pontiff did this as he found out about the operations of some of the Elven Council against his plans.” She then stands on the tips of her toe, leaning her head into his ear. “As there’s a rumor going around that the Elven Emperor and the Pontiff have been in contact for decades and this was against some secretive agreement between the two.”
The Knights' already widened expression only worsened upon knowing of this extra information. Now, he looks as if he was hearing the news about World War Three starting inside his living room on a boring Sunday. He turned his head as if it weighed a ton and pointed it at her. “Does he think the High Elves will actually honor that? I’ve met them and… hooo.. They aren’t the type to see you eye to eye. Figuratively and physically.”
“No, but I think the Pontiff hopes that it would be enough to keep them at bay for some time. If anything, the High Elves' pride for themselves outweighs that of a Vampire or a Dragons.”
“I can see that… yeah. But this is for before or after the End Times?”
“After. And can you call it Calamity instead?”
“Tsk. This even complicates stuff more then. Later, I’ll think of something, but for now, we have to find proof. This whole shablam, it can still be fixed. I just need something to roll with. Though working with Seiness had brought a lot, it only recently opened the main way to finishing this ordeal.”
“Alright. I trust you and your skills. You’ve already proven yourself to the Bishop. Who am I to judge?”
As the students finish the morning prayer, they prepare to depart and return to their respective rooms. They all neatly lined up as they went to the hallways. One of the Professors then approaches the area underneath the terrace. He was one of the younger ones, and he had a quill and a piece of paper on him.
“Ah, Sir Garthan. How has Master Brickett’s training gone so far?”
“Very well. The University’s teachings on magic are working well on him. He will grow up as a fine man.”
“Very good.” He writes it down and moves on. “Swordsmaster Bavil, how goes Lady Sisium’s training?”
“She needs to work more on being flexible. As a woman, her better points come out when she tries being more agile. I’ll have to work more on that later.”
“And her magic usage?”
“It’s already pretty good for her age. But I will have to teach her more advanced lessons later on. I suggest you tell Professor Heineitten to maybe touch a bit on the subject of Mana Cultivation and how Humans do it.”
“Alright. Which part of it though?” The robed man then lifts his hand, letting his big sleeve fall open where a book appears out of the shadows inside it. It then opens into a specific page and he rests his finger on a paragraph. “The section about Human Age and Mana Growth Correlation.” the young professor notes it and he then steps to Jackson and Julieanne, the man having a confused face. “And who are you? You, your Captain Julieanne correct?”
“I am.”
“I’m Knight Paul Jackson. I’ve come to teach Honorable Bannir Vitvaill.”
“Ah, I see. It's Master Vitavill’s time to become a man, it seems. Alright.”
He then looks at the Holy Knight and swallows his saliva. “Uhm… does the Church have any official business in the University Grounds?” She shrugs and gives the man a sunny smile. “Ah no. I’m just with him.”
He then turns to the man and then back to her. Squinted his eyes lightly as he returned his stare to Jackson. “Though I’ve been notified of you, are you aware of the University's rules and regulations that you must abide by?” He just gave the man a quick nod in which the professor rubbed his chin and then walked off. “Hm. Alright.”
As the students started to part away in lines. The other Watchers also went to their respective Disciples. With Jackson having to jog a bit to reach Bannir who was already walking into the hallway.
The young man promptly bowed to him as Jackson gave Rentsoss a passing gesture. “Lord Jackson! And… Miss Ammor?” She smiles and gestures to him with a simple wave with her left arm behind her. The other students, even Lushu, couldn't help but look at the dashing Holy female Knight.
With her bewildering body and innocent looks that could smite even an Evil Giant. No one was safe from her presence.
Inside, the University had clean polished timber floors. He could see some of the students with rags and buckets cleaning the sections under the staircases. The walls were plastered and boards were everywhere in the first floor, mostly having drawn posters on paper for Clubs and Training Sessions that ranged from Pole Arms, Long and Short Swords, Magic Practice, Mana Control, Survival Lessons and even Swimming Guides.
Bannir in his uniform looked more dignified than before, with him having a gold badge of the school and a white feather on his hat. His short ponytail would sway slowly as he took his time to take elegant steps alongside his peers.
No one was missing a single step as even inside the halls of the University, where no peasant or commoner could ever see them. They still held themselves up to the standards when they’d be outside.
Entering the second floor, the material used for the tiling below had changed from wood to marble. Their steps now even more prominent and even the sounds of each clack was in order down to their shadows that were in an even spacing. He then heard the sound of a grand piano and guitar playing. Checking his right, the glass window on the thick wooden door showed a bunch of students practicing. Some got ready with violins and clarinets. Whilst in the back were trombones and drums.
One that stood out was a female student with short hair. She had with her a triangular shaped instrument that has the neck of a more modern guitar yet the body looked like something very traditional. “Hm. Impressive, they can play one of Anlieri’s pieces so well already and even add a bit of their own spin.” Jackson couldn’t take his eyes off the piece of equipment as he lost his view of the interior.
“Anlieri?”
“He is one of the greatest composers of time. He may be a Vampire, but their kind is known to perfect the Arts and Performance. This is what their kind spends their eternity on. Entertainment more than everything.”
“Does this person… still live?”
“I believe so. When I was but a young noble girl, being trained on something like that Belve Wood Lute, the girl was playing. My teacher often says stories of how he still lives but within the Elven Empire. As after paying reparations and taking up all the crimes of the Ancient Vampire Queen. He told me he now rests there making music.”
“Belve Wood Lute? Huh. I guess it has some magical properties? Since it sounds like it has an inbuilt amplifier.”
“It is, Lord Jackson. Belve Wood comes from only one place and it can only be taken in small chipped form. It is extremely expensive and rare.”
“And this Anlieri person was involved with Queen Elizabeth? By how much?”
“Hm.” She then turns her head away from the right as they pass a portrait of Duke Spitze. Jackson, not noticing it, managed to take a peek at the high born man. “Oops!” she just uses her index finger and pushes his chin to look at her instead. “Lord Jackson, you are lucky no one was looking.” he sighs and nods at her, his eyes already looking like he is tired. “Yeah…”
They then went into the first classroom. It was sized like an auditorium and the chalkboard needed a ladder for the slouched Professor who was already present in the room. With him, a beaker and some potion vials as he started writing down some formulas for fire and air. The table had on it a pointy wizards hat as symbols and numbers appeared in the air, the old man using it to calculate on the spot with only his head.
Jackson, not understanding the language couldn’t really get the gist of it, but seeing what seems to be an angled plus and then an equals with a cross going on a 90 degree plane reminds him of an equation for algebra and the others, having words and odd lettering made him remember of trigonometry.
The students all knew their seats, with their bags already underneath the wide desks as the professor turned around, revealing his goatee and round glasses. He stands straight up and donned his Wizard hat. Now, his messy and olden white hair was covered up and he looked like a dignified and wisdomized magic man who’d give you quest items.
“Ah, I see we have two Watchers in the class. May I ask who that handsome young man with the broad shoulders of a warrior is? I am Professor Gaul Heineitten the Great.” His voice defied his looks, as even with the wrinkles on his face. He spoke with the tire of a youngin who has stir and vigor lingering in his soul. “Sir Paul Jackson of Eldwood, Professor.” The Knight’s calm and respectful but deep voice made him nod as he turned to the lady in armor next to him.
“And the attractive lady with you? She seems to be a Holy Knight that I keep seeing around these parts. But I thought the Church did not endorse any sort of Nobles now.”
“I am Captain Julieanne Ammor of the Sixteenth Crusader Company of Gareth. I am in command of the First Special Knight Regiment under Monsignore Henry.” He sweeps his goatee and lifts his hand. “I’ve heard of that time. He is not here, am I correct?” she nods. “I am only with Sir Jackson. Please do not mind me.” He fixes the position of his teashade glasses as he leaned forward.
The students wanted to whisper but his presence had already encroached upon the entire room and had snuffed any will to spread rumors. “And who might you be Watching today? Mayhaps Lady Anarelia? I’ve heard she’s been eager to learn the ways of a Knight and defend the family region when her father is away for war.”
“It’s Honorable Bannir Sack Vitavill. Don’t worry, it's only going to be for today as per our agreement. He also seems to already be pretty good already anyways.”
Hearing him say this, the women in the class turned to the blonde young man and he blushed a bit as he looked down, placing his hands on his thighs squishing it together.
“I see. Very well. Are you a Royal Knight or some Mercenary who had been titled as such?”
Even with his advanced age, the Professor still spoke clearly enough that even way in the back and on higher elevation, Jackson could perfectly hear the man.
“A Knight. Though I do perform Mercenary work every now and then. I have been given a title here in Threa as a Lord. Though I hold no mansion nor servants.”
“An Adventuring Knight. I haven’t seen much of your kind lately. How about Magic? How versed are you in it then? Could you read this equation?”
“Oohhh… I do know Magic. But I sadly do not recognize the language you have written it on.”
“Yet you speak my tongue so perfectly? Hmph…. I see. How about a demonstration then for the children? Do you know the concept of Combustion Magic?”
Jackson instantly remembers Bahamut and her incessant use of it in open areas and he nods with a stoic stare.
“Blow it!”
The Professor with his hand then materializes an Ice Sword that’s directed straight at his face. The Knight then opens his hand and a small explosion occurs. The blown up blade then turns into snowflakes that litter the entire room. Amazing the Noble students.
“Hmmmm… you're good. I did not see you speak nor move your mouth. You must be very experienced then. Late stage even. Very good.” The students then clapped their hands with Julieanne as the Knight just had a stupid smile on his face. All the while Bannirs’ eyes seemed to sparkle more at the sight of the man while Lushu just stayed silent in the corner of the room.
A loud bang is then heard and the Professor then turns to his chalkboard. “Now! Turn to your books, in the Grimoire of Flames, Volume Twelve. Pages uhhh..” he then goes to his notes inside his leather bag. “Pages Fifty to Sixty. Sir Rentsoss, due to your tardiness this morning. Do read out the first paragraph.”
The first class was a hefty one, with Jackson even feeling the wave of sleepiness as the Professor talked about complex equations and hand movements in directing Mana and creating the blend of Magics to create an explosion. He put great emphasis in having the will to create it, as not only was this about having the knowledge of how explosions work. But having the soul to manifest this in the form of manipulating the Mana around you and turning it into a physical boom.
As he chatted and talked, the Professor would draw Grunts and Wizards that’d move with his magic on the board. With the drawings performing the concepts he is explaining as he wrote arrows and lines to guide the students in how to properly do it. After a good two hours, Jackson has completely fallen asleep in the back while the Professor has noticed him dozing.
Julieanne tugged him and he promptly woke up. “Ah! Knight Jackson, do tell as I always do this with warriors who visit my class. Have you experienced what it's like to command conscripts in battle?” suddenly asked out of the blue, he had to turn to his surroundings as the eyes of the young nobles were fixated on him. “Uhhhh… I don’t. I do not like conscripts very much.” The professor then tilts his head. “Ah, so you have a strict requirement for those you will command?”
The Knight briefly agreed with him as he fixed his pose and sat with a straight back.
“Yes, as not only are they given old weapons and equipment. There are usually sixteen or eighteen something year olds that want to shoot someone or something. I’d rather not have them taint the professionalism of my unit.”
“I see, and have you had a bad experience with them?”
“Many… too many to count.” The Professor then raised his wooden stick. “Children, listen very well to this Knight. As the future leaders of your regions and localities, you must know why you cannot give magic to mere peasants and commoners. Lest they have the skill and knowledge, they will end up burning down the town.” He then gestures for him to continue.
“Errrr… I guess if it's something like that…” Jackson lifts his chin as his head points to the ceiling. “There was that one Op where a bunch of conscripts died. A usual soldier gets trained for four months, two additional months for specialization. But these guys only get four to five weeks.”
Leading a convoy of Mine Resistant Vehicles was a 4X4 Oshkosh. Behind it were four 6X6 Ural Typhoon armored trucks. Their heavy bulletproof tires crushed debris as the lead armored vehicle violently swerved to the left. Ramming straight into the thick metal gates of an apartment’s compound.
There, the MRAPs all lined up and the infantry inside quickly dismounted. 68 soldiers, with only five of them wearing the modern oversuit exoskeletons. The rest, wielding older Ratnik uniforms from the Russian Federation. But rather than in their iconic green EMR. The camouflage was in a brown hexcam and the people wearing them, small statured Asians in M4A1s and AK-12s whilst the handful in proper frontline gear wielded the much newer QBZ-200s.
Not only was it equipped with a smart holographic sight that was digitally connected into the combat hud of the soldier wielding it, it also provided an ammo counter and came built with a suppressor.
The conscripts on the other hand, though also wielding attachments on their assault rifles. It all ends with a mere flashlight and holographic sight. Nothing else was given to their weapons as they promptly stacked on the wall and followed it where they reached the fenced front door.
Those five in exoskeletons used their strength to yank the chains out and break the lock.
One by one, the squad of eight poured into the lone apartment complex inside a bombed out city. Jittery and trembling, they were able to do their duty. Going door to door and detaining any civilians they come across.
It was all smooth sailing till they reached the fifth floor where one American who was only in his fatigues accidentally came across the lead squadron. The young man who had sight of him jumped at the occasion, giving the Western man a chance to run for the inner balcony.
“That one mistake cost the lives of sixty plus soldiers. I came in there when it was all over. It was an absolute bloodbath. Not one of those kids made it out alive as that apartment was housing Rangers and SOCOM.” He sighs and facepalms as he leaned his body forward on the railing on the back. “Even the MRAPs they used to travel were shot up so badly only the chassis remained on some of them. This is why I hate conscripts. Pfft. I don’t even know why their commander sent them to clear out that place.”
“We’re they outnumbered, Lord Jackson?”
“No. There were only like twenty of the Americans there. But they had night vision goggles so they cut the lights and it was a turkey shoot. Watching the GoPro on the squad leader… man. They did everything as they were taught in the few weeks of training. But those few weeks can never translate actual experience.” The professor then nods and looks down on the students. “So for those who come from a family of Warriors, know that this is the cost of hiring mere locals who cannot wield anything but a pitchfork. Now imagine one trying to conjure magic. He is more of a threat to his allies than to his enemies.”
“What’s worse, professor, is that these kids were wearing proper equipment. All of them had level five body armor and combat helmets. Radios, ammo pouches, peltors. We Asians pride ourselves in our ability to arm and equip even our most basic of reservists with good gear… but that won’t save them from actual combat. Those kids got grilled in that apartment.”
“Sad but this is the nature of war. Have you avenged these children?”
“I have, Professor Heineitten. I chased those Rangers down a few clicks from the city and used my tank's main guns to turn them into red plumes.”
“I hope your story can translate to the students here about why you mustn’t rely on the commoner on war. You need people who know what they're doing, most of all for combat mages such as myself. Yes, I came from a village. But I trained for a better half of my youth in magic before I could even call myself a competent person in the art of Fire Magic.” He lifts his hand and settles it on the brim of his pointy wizard hat. “This hat of mine was gifted to me by the Lord of my village. I have better ones now, but I still use it for lectures. To remind everyone that skills can come from everywhere, but you must know where to look. Fire magic most of all might be one of the most versatile next to water and the easiest to conjure. But it requires discipline and knowledge.”
The Red Grimoire on the table then suddenly closed. “Tomorrow! We shall meet in the backyard of the school and we shall see if you can do it. Practice in your homes, even in your baths if you can. Use explode magic and pop the water. If it reaches the ceiling, then you are ready. If not, practice more. As if you can conjure an explosion, fire will be a mere plaything. But you cannot conjure an explosion without knowing the basics of fire and the reaction it has when mixed with air.” he then sat down for the first time in the long two hour lecture.
“Go now.”
The Captain then looks at Jackson who was back asleep. She nudges him multiple times as his drool almost falls into the hardwood below. “Woah, oh? Ah? It's already over?” The students were already leaving as Bannir walked up to him. “Sir Jackson, next class is Sword Fighting. It's on the other side of the University, in the East wing.'' All the while, the female Noble students were sneaking stares at the man's brick wall of a chest while the male students were glaring at Julieanne’s armor.
As they stood up and exited out the room, Bannir kept walking next to Jackson whilst his classmates all chatted with one another.
“Lord Jackson.”
“Shouldn’t you be with your friends?”
“Ah, my friends aren’t in this school sadly.”
“But still…” he then shrugs his head. “What is it?”
“About conscripts. Since in the Vitavill owned Regions. We usually only train them every month or so. Do you think that will suffice?”
“Oh yeah. Heck yeah… wait.” He then squints his eyes and starts tapping at his cheeks. “Against people who had trained their entire life since childhood wielding a sword and having a horse? Errrr… maybe?”
“Is that so? As I do not want to have pointless death when the day comes I am given my own fief.”
“Bannir, man to man. You will experience pointless death no matter what. It is war. Some will die even before they see an enemy, while some will die because they weren’t looking in a certain direction at that exact moment. Best you can do really is just be a good leader and lessen the amount of said deaths.”
“Ah… I see…”
“You’ll get it one day.”
Waking down the aisle, Jackson notices that the Courtyard is now filled with a class of students having to balance a book and teacups full of water on their heads. Without long, a new Professor joins the class just as they were arriving. Waving a book on Sword Fighting at the back of his head.
“Hmmmm… who is this fine lady I am seeing?” Turning around, Julieanne smiles and waves. “Well, well, well. Look at you, now teaching kids.” Jackson ignores them as he continues to teach Bannir a lesson. “Ahahahaha, and look at you! Wearing the armor of the Holy See! How did they not find out?”
This made the Captain giggle cutely as she gestured for him. “Oh you.” The man's voice suddenly got closer to Jackson and ended with an arm over his shoulders. “And who is this? Augusten’s the name.” stopping to listen to his Watchers lecture, Bannir quickly bowed and got into line as the Knight was left alone with the stranger.
“Jackson. Pleased to meet you.” He turns his head to the right to see Professor Augusten. The man didn’t wear the professor’s uniform the same way as the previous one. Rather than the cape, he just settled with the unbuttoned jacket and his sleeves rolled up. Letting his hard and thick muscles bathe in the morning star as he waved the Book of “Ancient Swords and Royal Logos.”
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“Ehhhhh...” the man, who has rudely put his arm over Jackson, only tightens his grip. Standing only a centimeter or less taller than him. With the two having the same macho build. “So. How did you meet Julie? She’s something ain’t she?”
“Ehehehe… Ah, I hadn’t really done much with her. She just kinda found me when I entered the city.”
“Aren’t you a lucky bastard? She usually only chases men who she wants to duel. Do you have the personality of a Saint or something? How have you not dueled her yet?”
“So… did you defeat her?”
“Hah. She kicked my ass like a lass from James. But after five more tries, I did best her.” He then goes to his collar and pulls it outward to reveal a scar on his neck. Such an inch from a vital stem. “You see this? I could get this healed but she gave me such a thrill that I had to keep it.” Jackson’s face just dims as he tries his best laugh and attempts to pull away. The long chops and beard of the Professor annoyed him. The Captain butts in. Parting the two. “Hey now, don’t talk about me when the students are here.”
“Aw come on Julie. The Noble kids are in love with you like puppies to their Masters. I always hear Bannir or Yeren talk about seeing you patrolling the city when they're in the morning Lantern shift.” He then puts his arm over her. His wrist alone was twice her size, making it seem like a log was pushing her closer to his chest.
All the while, Jackson kept to himself. His hands on his sides and his back as straight as a soldier in a parade even though his looks and body weren't far off and even better in some aspects than Augustens.
He’d then slide his hand to her rear. Grabbing it tightly which Jackson could clearly notice and see. He just shrugs as the woman was in full plate, there was no way she could feel anything. But the Captain let out a small moan which made him swallow his saliva, the man kept his eyes forward to the students all chatting with one another and Bannir happily having a conversation with two other Noblemen.
“Ah.” Hearing a bit of Juleanne’s cute voice once again, he couldn’t help but look and saw that Augusten had slid his fingers right underneath her crotch where there was only chainmail. Rubbing the thick blue leather pants she has under the mail. “Ahem. Ahem.” With the fake cough, the Professor then turns to him and gives him a devilish smile which he in turn just looked away, blushing a bit himself as the Captain held her fist up her mouth, covering her heavy breathing.
All of the sudden, Augusten then puts his arm over him, freeing the Captain.
“C’mon. Is this really you?”
“Wha-what do you mean?”
“Don’t act so innocent around me. I can see it in your eyes, your ladies man with a good hand for fighting like me.”
“Pfft. That’s absolutely fake and not real. I am a professional, first and foremost. I have a strict set of rules that I impose on myself. I would never touch a woman outside, nor even flirt with her.”
“And yet you have Julie following you around like lil’ duckling. I don’t believe you for a single second. You are a ladies man, I know it." This made Jackson recoil in disgust. “That’s not true at all. Whatever you're seeing, it's wrong and you should promptly remove it from your head.” His voice changed and it was now a cold hearted tone of a stoic soldier. “Pfft. You aren’t fooling anyone with this act brother.”
This made the Knight take his arm and coldly returned it to him. “Don’t you call me brother. I hate people like you.” Jackson’s eyes were squinting, like he was ready for a fight. “So it's best we keep the atmosphere around us as professionals. Capiche?” Augusten just smiles and shrugs his head.
He then puts his hands to the back of his head and walks forward of them. To the front of the class as he starts lightly smacking the kids and pointing to their uniforms and having them fix their mistakes. “Yooo Lady Ianna, fix that skirt of yours. And you, Pendont. Have that hair combed again.”
Jackson on the other hand was angry, for the first time. His hand was in a fist. Julieanne could see his more terrifying expressions. Letting go of her blush to lightly bow to him as they turned to the left. “S-Sorry about that.”
“No worries. That son of a bitch just smelled me like that. Tsk. Me? A ladies man?! Hah. As if.”
“Augusten might be a bit touchy but he’s a good man. I swear. He wouldn’t be in this University if he wasn’t.”
“Somehow, a part of me wants to prove you wrong but that’s not why we’re here. But Christ Almighty. He makes me violent. Dudes like him are the bane of my existence back on Earth.”
“If I may, Lord Jackson. Why?”
“Tsk. It's just… haaaa… I live in a different society. It's an orderly, equal, and civilized society.” His fists got even harder as his eyes were on the verge of showing the face of someone in combat. “But yet, these barbaric men get all the attention. All my life, I followed the rules. I was obedient, respectful, and knowledgeable. Yet pricks like him got all the attention. In the end, I said fuck it and discarded all hopes of marriage and giving my parents a nephew and niece.” He then unbuttons the first three holes on his tunic, exposing his muscled chest. “I worked and worked till I earned enough to open a company with my friends… just to get fucked over again and have World War Three start. Tsk.”
Julieanne just kept her distance from him as he seemed to be fuming from the expression that was painting his face. But soon, he breathes in and out. Calming himself. “I hope you're right about him. This is a different world with a different view on things so, I am willing to forego my… initial judgments." This made the Captain smile as the students soon entered the classroom.
It didn’t have an elevated seating position, instead it was flat with armor stands and weapon racks on the floor and displays of replicas of specialized or unique variants on the wall.
Without even making a sound, Professor Augusten grabbed the shortsword and swung it at Lushu. Who promptly dodges the blade and picks up a Pike and stabs the sword out of his hand.
“Good. But don’t be late. Next time you’ll get a few scratches. This is my final warning, Rentsoss. I only condone tardiness but being late is one of the biggest sins you can do to me and this school. I will not allow you to walk over the regulations like it's the toilet paper the Outlanders have given us.” To Jacksons surprise, the hardy man could also make the same face as him, with a serious and blank face showing no emotions and putting across what he wants and requests with no mincing.
“Pfft. Do that and my family will turn you into ash.”
“Then go for it kiddo’. I don’t care. Tarnish this school's time, you tarnish my time. Got it?”
He then uses magic to push Lushu into the benches which made the entire male section of the class laugh at him all the while, Jackson and Julieanne sat in the back. With him crossing his arms and legs. He kept a straight back as he observed the man writing down a list.
“This will be the first set that I will show you. Sir Jackson, tell me. Who are you Watching? These kids are in their last years, I could only name three who haven't found themself a proper trainer yet.”
“Honorable Bannir.”
“Ah I see. Golden boy, it's your sweet moment huh? Finally get to be a man. Don’t believe the bullshit that your first kill feels better than your first woman.” He turns around facing the class. “It depends on who your first woman will be. Ahahaha!” The men in the class all laughed alongside him, but Jackson kept quiet. His eyes squinted a bit.
“Thank you, Professor Augusten.” Bannir bowed his head alongside a gesture. Prim and collected. “I shall take your advice to the heart.”
“I already gave you some of the highest marks here, only Lushu there has you running for the Holy Orbs. I’m sure it’ll be fast training for you.”
“You give me too much credit, Professor Augusten. I am merely doing my best every day and night.”
“Well… I’ve always noticed you training in the backyard of the school. You even asked me to become your Watcher once.” Augusten then wipes his nose as he sits down on the teachers table. This one being armored and made out of thick wood. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to accept it. I have my responsibilities with the school. But I’m sure whatever Sir Jackson may teach you will turn you into a fine Knightly man.”
“Thank you Professor Augusten! I’ll be sure to try my best later on!”
“Aye. He might look like that, but after feeling his body. He is a warrior through and through. Even his muscles had developed to fine tune his swordsmanship. Isn’t that right, Lord Jackson?” The Knight just kept quiet. His eyes still squinted hard at the “Professor”.
“Now then. For our first set of stances and moves.” Professor Augusten then promptly opened a drawer full of used paper. He balls it up and throws it at Lushu who was already half asleep. “By the Gods and of Man, Lushu. You might be gifted in all fronts, but that head of yours is lacking in some good manners. Straighten yourself before the world does it for you.”
Augusten then proceeds to stand up, taking the sword first and showing the kids some advanced moves and even a combination with magic. He’d then switch to a wooden bow, to Pole arms and then knives. With him showing excellent proficiency in every weapon, including the unique ones that were on display.
As he performed combat moves, he’d also couple it with explanations. “You see my footing? That is how you control the movement. Most of all with a pike that’s this long. The strength is the reach, so if someone with a shortsword where to charge at you. He’d dodge the tip and ride along the pole till you're stabbed.” He then jumps back, his footing concrete and still.
“You see how I jumped back with my feet?” The students would all write down what they were catching from the visual lesson. “Also don’t forget to write down! Pikes, most of all unique ones that are this long, will have the enemy ride the pole itself!”
With Jackson even nodding at some of the points as he switches to sword types, giving them a proper lecture to the differences of sword length and the need to keep it in mind when using magic, as it could either help you or be a hindrance. What surprises him more was his handling of all manners of weaponry, showing not only extreme care and mastery, but also the will to confidently swing it around in front of a bunch of Nobles without care.
Even at times he’d do stunts with them. “Tell me Lord Jackson, Watcher of Sir Vitavill. What Sword Style do you use? I use the Spitzen Sword Arts. It involves short to medium swords with the use of magic.”
“I use…” Jackson turns to his left and right and then forwards again. “A certain style not native to this land.” But he already couldn’t wave off Augusten’s stare as his eyes went down to the Rapier that’s kept in a luxurious and finely decorated crimson scabbard that’s full of ancient Royal Iconography.
“I see you have quite a show sword there. As if its makers thought to make a weapon that’s more presentable than actually functional.” he then walks over to the display sword and picks it up. “Elven…? Or could it be of Vampiric origins?” back in the middle. He swings the sword up, and then lets it free fall down. Planting it on the hardened wood.
“Please stand up. It’d be a great opportunity for the class to see a Crown sword like that. Some of the Nobles here would one day even wield one, I am sure. Those vying to become Dukes or have lineage. Look at Lord Jackson’s weapon. One day, something similar will be used on you, to Knight you and grant you one of the highest honors a Noble could receive.”
Standing up. Jackson kept his hands on the pommel, blocking most of the view to the etchings that were on the hilt. Walking to the front, the sword caught everyone’s eye as he turned to the middle next to Augusten.
“May I see it?”
“Uhm… hehehehe… I don’t think you're allowed to.”
Moans of shock fill the room as whispers overflow from the benches. “Silence.” With his mere words, everyone stops and turns back to look at him. “Remember the rules of Gentlemanly Warfare. Respect your opponent like you respect yourself. Don’t respect yourself, well… I’ll see a painting of you on the Castle wall. Sir Jackson, can you at least unsheathe it? We won’t burn upon its gleaming light. Don’t worry.” as if he was caught, the Knight unsheathes the antique glass Rapier.
The class was wooed by its fine craftship. From the pommel, down to the quillion crossguards, and the loop guards. There’s something to look at. If it wasn’t the Blood Roses with thorny roots that’d go down to the red glass blade, it’d be the Royal Sigil on the ricasso.
But for Augusten, what caught his attention was the logo on the Knuckle Guard, the bleeding Blood Rose that’s stabbed by two swords. The Professor then walks to the podium and opens his book to a folded page. “Royal Sigil of King Charles and Queen Elizabeth, a mark known on the numerous Manors left over from the Elizabethan Period. Used by… Royal Knights of Queen Elizabeth. Well, aren’t you wielding an absolute rarity? A functional glassword too.” He closes the book.
“Class, do you remember the lesson I taught you about the material of a sword and the crest it ‘d bare? Or have I not been there yet?” With no one replying, he scratches the back of his head and goes back to the book.
“This Sigil, the first version for lower Nobles of the House of the Lords under the Royal family being given a non bleeding Blood Rose with two swords.” He then licks his finger and turns it to the next one, with a large drawing being the same one as seen in his Rapier’s knuckle guard. “But the rarest of them all, only given to certain Nobles and not yet to be seen by any Human and only in documentation is the Bleeding Blood Rose. A Sigil only given to Vampire Nobles that has rightly earned the respect of the King and Queen. Historical accounts from Schon say that only one weapon has ever been given this logo.”
He then turns to the page about Vampire Swords. It all ranged from medium to greatswords. Except one, being a glassword of red color. Though the drawing was close, it was far from catching the beauty of the actual one. “The Crown Sword of the Vampire Queen, Chevalier De La Nuit. Only to be given to King Charles as a sword not only for war, but accolades for accepting new Vampire Lords into the inner court of the first Vampire Monarchs.” Everyone then looked to Jackson, who wielded the Rapier with such proficiency.
The Knight had shivers from hearing him read out the history of the blade. “Made from Meteorite, This sword is particularly known to be missing and had never been found. But some say, it doesn’t actually exist as the Dwarfs and Dragons had never revealed their Glass Sword making technique to the other races.” He then closes the book and looks at the Outworlder. “Till now.”
Everyone then felt the atmosphere become heavy as Jackson proceeds to sheath the sword back to its scabbard. But his wrist is grabbed by Augusten who then looks at him, then back to the class.
“This weapon, being the Knight of the Night in Common, a Crown Sword Rapier that accolade King Charles by Queen Elizabeth. Though there’s no actual account of such a weapon being actually real due to the make of it. Being a crimson glass sword made from melted meteorite that the Vampire Kingdom held for eons and gifted a portion of to the famed High Dwarfs of Drevlyan. So far, no actual proof of even the Meteor being real has been found nor of even the existence of a blade this powerful. Sir Jackson, may I ask if that is some humble copy?”
Sweating bullets, he just smiles and puts his hands up as if to surrender. “N-Now. I can explain.”
“AHAHAHAHA! Sir Jackson, no one here thinks you're a Vampire. I am merely curious about your sword and if it's the real deal. Lower your hands, no one here plans to behead you.”
“If I say it is… does that get me into trouble?”
“Absolutely not. Do you know what it means for a Human of all things to be wielding a sword meant for the First Vampire King? If this is real, my respect for you only triples.”
“Uhhh… okay… it might be the real thing…’
“Hah-hah-hah… Hold onto that till your death and when you see a Vampire, be sure to show it off. That should give those bloodsucking nightstalkers something to recoil about for the next five hundred years. A Human wielding a legendary sword meant for their King.” His expression was full of joy, to the point that it made Jackson curious by his reaction.
“Uhm… Professor Augusten, what was your profession before all this?”
“I was a Knight of Gareth. Commander First Class, Order of Holy Gareth itself. My family might not be as famous as the Rentsoss nor Vitavills as we only own a small fief. We are known for our Knighthood.”
“I… I see… so you're also a Noble?”
“Am I still one? Ahahahaha.” With how messy his hair and beard was down to his uniform and etiquette, the man was far from the image of one. But the class got the humor and laughed alongside him.
“Nonetheless, please return to the back. Julie, you still have a sharp eye for men, still.”
The class then says woo’ing except the men who were staunch in their reaction. With Rentsoss even just brushing the joke off and Bannir just left without a reaction.
Time then passes and the bell rings. “Alright, remind yourselves that on Tasda and Freida, we’ll be holding some two vee twos. Go, scram out of this room!” He then picks up his sword and starts threatening the students. Making them run out the class with happy faces, finally able to eat and dine in their own leisure. “Ahahahaha, rascals. Go! Eat well!”
As Jackson walks out, he gets his collar grabbed by the man. “Whatever you're after, just be sure to watch over her. Julie has the habit of jumping the demon if the moment ever shows.” He just sighed and nodded. Though not giving Augusten the benefit of seeing his face and continued on to the hallway.
The Captain soon follows and he is already way over down the hallway and the moment she catches a glimpse of him. He was already walking down the stairs and disappeared from her sight.
“Julie, just what are you after here?”
Augusten then leans on the railing overlooking the Courtyard. He leans far back enough that his head could peek out to see the clouds flying high above the cold morning.
“Do you know the tunnels lead here?”
“I do. This place used to be part of the Empire’s network of Public buildings. It only came to look like this when the Vampires went and tore it down and made it look more prettier and appealing.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors then. Your old Knight buddies from the Order must’ve told you about it too.”
“Ah, the whole thing with the Beastmen being allowed in the Holy See and the forces opposing it. I’m not one to dabble in stuff like that, but why? Did you find anything out?”
Inside the canteen, Jackson is shocked at the food being offered. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat alongside soups. It was no different from the modern cafeteria he was so used to but the aroma was better, even more lively and appealing with decor that made it look like a five star michelin restaurant than a prison.
Taking a tray, he walked to the line and took the roasted beef and poured gravy all over it as he then took some freshly fried fish. “Ah man, this would be so nice with rice. Ugh, why isn’t rice a normal thing here?!” heading over to the other side, he looks around and sees Bannir with a group of Noblemen.
Visibly having a lively conversation, he smiles at seeing the young teen looking like a normal person that he’d see. Though still respecting etiquette, the expressions the man made were true and real.
“Pssh! Over here, new guy!” He then turned to the corner where special leather benches were. There, the Professors and Instructors were eating alongside the Watchers. In one of them, he could see it was separated between the Human and Elven staff and the window on it overlooks another courtyard. This one has fountains and benches. The ones they use are just your usual flare of high end furniture. But the ones the Elves were using were over the top.
With the Elves in ancient clothing having a more luxurious decor to their tables and seats. Even having their own utensils and plates. Proper plates unlike everyone else's and not one thing was left without an engraving. Even the sides of their benches had the Mother Tree on it and on their metallic brass coloured cups were Forrus herself in her magnificent toga and wreath.
Joining in the Watchers, the two burly hardened men look at the man from another world. Looking like any other person in the street. “Take care of Bannir. His family might even gift you with a Lordship title if you do a good enough job.” says the Watcher with a scar over his eye and down his cheek.
Jackson replied with a smile and a lift of his mug. “I will. It’s just for a day anyways. I’m not really into this whole teaching thing.” The two Watchers then join him, nodding. “Ahahaha! It may be for a day, new guy, but this University is something else!”
Eating with them, the Knight felt he was back to his olden days. Rough and gruff men with mean demeanors but holding smiles that could be biblically true. They leaned forward, and had little respect for etiquette as they ate efficiently and fast.
Next to them, Jackson could hear the complicated and complex conversations the Professors and Elven Staff were having. He tried to make sense of their words, but it’s just too deep for even him to understand. Some even had small debates with equations about Magic while some were chatting about history and the geographics of the land and how the Demon Army will have a hard time reaching them. But what caught his ears was the voices of the Elves. Not only were they sharp and pronounced, but also captivating and authoritative. As if its the voice of an age old scholar teaching the youth.
Their conversation between them and people of the Holy See even walked into predictions and tallying of census recently from the population about the impending calamity and everyone’s preparations for it and how the differing species were reacting to the fact. “Hm, yes. Though Man has already done greatly. We Elves don’t really see the need to overdo our preparations.” as one of the Holy Priests then kindly blurp. “Ahem. Peon-Uhn-Binhta. I know that you are very sure of your Empire. But be reminded that the Demons will be different from before. You should not wait for so long… and I say that in Human time. Not Elven time.”
The Knight felt as if his head would begin to spin if the bombardment of all sorts of topics wouldn’t stop till the Watcher next to him hands him a towel. “Wipe your face, just imagine an open field and a cloudless sky. It’ll drown out the sounds of these big heads.” with a wink, the man goes back to munching on even the bone of the meat he got and Jackson follows his advice.
“Where are the Holy See’s teachers anyways? Or do they only have Priests?”
“They eat at their own canteen at the East wing. The Priests here are Scientists. They aren’t teachers.”
“Huh, interesting… and I guess this is to prevent problems with the High Elf teachers?”
“Yup. I’ve been going to this University for six months now. There’s always something up with those two sides. It's only between the intellectuals do they meet a common surface to talk about without having it devolve into a screaming match.”
“Aren’t you a Knight yourself?”
“Was. Almost lost my eye and now, I’m just teaching.”
“I see. In the East Wing, are there any Elves there?”
“No. They're in here, the West Wing. The only time you’d see those two intercept one another is in class times when they're switching from one room to another. If there with a Human, you're sure it's a Scientist from the Laboratory Wing behind the main school.” He then points at the large building with two towers behind the inner courtyard. “They said that they even have magic there that makes them communicate with the University of Benber the Pilot in Oceanowa.”
“Oceanowa?” the burly man in his simple wool tunic nods. “Aye. It's that big Elven city that has floating streets and blocks!” Intrigued, he stopped eating and started listening to the man's story and after a while, though fascinated. The Knight General returned to eating his meal. “Mhm… mhm. I do wonder what tech they have and what made them go this far. Are the High Elves this complex?”
“Don’t think too much about it. The High Elves will usually ignore you as long as you don’t get in their way. Just think of them as the… uhhh.. Ah!” he flicks his finger and points at the Nobles eating with their friend groups. “Think of them as the more well put together brother while the Wood Elves are the more wild and loose ones! Ahahaha!”
He only puts his lips together and nods. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Before he knew it, the Professors were the first to finish their lunches amongst the staff. Immediately leaving while the Watchers kept busy observing their Disciples who were about to finish themselves. The two kept quiet, their eyes locked and their hands not moving a single finger.
Jackson on the other hand just looks at Bannir whose friends were in another class and as they return to their respective lines. He noticed the young Noble was left with acquaintances.
A bell then rang twice and as everyone finished lunch, the students all returned back to their classrooms with Jackson getting ambushed by Captain Julieanne as he tailed the youngsters to the next lecture. “Boo!” he reacts but immediately calms down. Sighing whilst having a stoic expression over his face. “Awwww, why are you serious all of a sudden?”
To his surprise, the man who was about to teach the class isn’t even a Man. But an Elf in a lavish Toga of Red and Blue.
“I am realizing that we’re heading to the East Wing.”
“Hm. The Holy See is there.”
“But the man leading the class is an Elf. I hope this doesn’t get the kids into trouble.”
“Jackson, are you the type to overthink?”
“Julieanne. We’re in a University where two races that hate one another… or so it seems are living under one roof.”
“Pfft. Don’t overthink it. A handsome man like you shouldn’t be making faces like that. It makes pretty girls like me cry.”
“Gah. You are one smooth woman.”
Wearing his colorful toga elegantly, with a crown of golden leafs on his wreath. He looked far too out of place for the University, seemingly as if he was going to a Royal Ball from a time long before than to teach a class about Politics and Military tactics.
“Class, be reminded of the punishment I have installed for those who didn’t do their homework and those tardy.” Standing taller than even Bahamut to his eyes, the man’s long sharp ears can be seen sticking out as he walks to the East wing of the school. His voice wasn’t deep at all like the others in the canteen, it was modular and audible, but most of all, pompous but not to a sheer degree. “I do not like to waste time on mere dabblings of children unable to find time to do a simple essay on the tactics of King Gareth in defeating Prorex Ar’gur Sheo’roth on the border of the Morr Hills.” he then flicks his finger. Making fire burst on Rentsoss behind.
The good looking kid quickly jumped as he used Mana to make water only for it to not work. This made everyone laugh at the Nobleman as the Elf flicked his finger once again and the fire was gone. “Lord Rentsoss. Be sure to come early tomorrow. I know you are weary that your brothers and your Father have departed to kill a foreign Lich King but do not let it hinder your studies and punctuation.”
Unfolding his lanky arms, the Elf’s history book floats as it opens. “I want this to be in detail. Not one part is to be left behind. Elves are not easy to defeat in battle, we think not only of the next ten steps but the steps ten years ahead after the battle.”
Jackson then leans in to Julieanne who was walking to the right of him. She was busy keeping an eye out for something in the direction of the inner courtyard while the man was puzzled with the personality of the High Elf.
“Isn’t that a kinda bad topic?”
“The Elves didn’t come this far because of their bias. They know the harsh truth and face it head on. That’s how they learned from their mistakes and became a perfect society back then.”
“I see… well I haven’t really met one that didn’t look down on me. So this is gonna be an experience in itself.”
“Just don’t say or do anything that might make them angry. That’s Doctor He’ruth Ugr, his father is a Co-mes in the High Elf Senate. It’s better to not anger someone who has a family like that.”
“Co-mes?” she nods. “It’s the rank of a lower Lord.” Jackson immediately replied. “Oof. I hear you. I’ll put up my best face then.”
Walking out of their classroom is a Nun from the Holy See. “And one last time, remind yourselves please. I do not want to see so many wrinkles from the First year. Your parents all gave you so much on your shoulders, shant be not to waste much.” The High Elf then stops, behind him his own class.
“Ah, Sister Freitein. How well to see you today.”
“Doctor Ugr. Pleased to meet you again.”
“How are the First years? Are the younglings showing potential?”
“Oh, that’s too early to say. For now, they're still mere children in uniform. Not even their class is developed.”
“I understand. This is also your last class for the day, correct?”
“It is. I must return to the convent afterwards. Much needs to be done.”
“Please have a safe trip home.”
“You too, Doctor.”
She then lightly lifts her skirt and bows. The Elf returns it with a light head tilt and the two exchange smiles as they leave and the class of younger students head off.
“Well… that wasn’t so bad.”
“It's usually one or two people that’s responsible for much of the rumors. But I really don’t want to spread anything when in armor.”
“I get you. I have done things not worthy of a man in uniform… but what can I say? Spending time in arcades were some of the last bastions of Humanity for me back then.”
With the classroom now fully empty as the first years all bowed to the fourth years who were about to enter.
They head in to see that the younger students left many of the chairs unfixed and ruined. “Preposterous. Insolence.” Together with the rest of the class, he goes to the first rows and starts fixing all of them alongside the students while Jackson and Julieanne sit in the higher elevated back.
The Elf didn't use magic but instead took his time to properly align the chairs into place. The students, seeing this followed his example and did the same and soon the chairs were all properly lined up and everyone sat down.
“No need for greetings. Sit down and pass your papers. Be sure to not lean forward or backward. You need the food you just ate to go down properly.” The class then started to pass their papers onto the aisle, who then passed it down till it reached the first rows.
With ten rings on all his fingers, the Elf took the stack and sat down on the chair before the podium. He just hummed as he started to read some of the first ones. He’d nod and make expressions of approval. Sometimes raising an eyebrow while he waves his hand and a mug floats from his bag together with a teabag.
Using magic still, it fills with water and the bag starts floating up and down on it.
“Hmmm… Lady Trennia.”
A brown haired woman whose hair is tied with a pretty red bow tie then stood up.
“What made you think King Gareth thought that Prorex Ar’gur Sheo’roth would counter attack with such a measly cavalry? A thousand horses cannot even begin to rival the ten thousand King Gareth brought, alongside the Orb cannons he had captured from Janishaire Arsenal.”
She didn’t speak immediately. Instead it took ten seconds and she started to open her mouth.
“I believe it's due to King Gareth calculating that Prorex Sheo would soon be cornered on the border. He was given an obvious choice. Capitulate or meet his demise.”
“Do you seriously believe that we, the High Elves, would be foolish enough to be damned to that point? May I remind you that when Elvennur was being sacked from all directions including a Plague, Magnus Dux Ha’nern and the rest of the Dux and Ducissa never performed one hail gory. They stayed calm and collected, even in the midst of such overwhelming forces.”
She then put her hands together and started to play with her thumbs.
“I apologize, Doctor. I’ll be sure to re-read the part-”
“No-No. I don’t want you to read it again. What will that do when you already can’t comprehend the mindset of the enemy?”
“Then… I shall re-eval-”
“No. Stop.” He then drops the stack on the podium as his mug floats and he takes a sip from it. “Imagine… you're an Elf. A-Curate! The best and damndest of my species, the apex of my kin! You are surrounded by a mishmash force of over two hundred thousand Humans!” He then stands up and the chalk starts drawing the battle map.
Curious, Jackson stands up from the back and walks over to the nearest bench of students. He could see the Nobles had all opened their books and turned to the page where their entire two whole worth of pages was drawn over, with the Chalk drawing an exact 1:1 copy of it on the board.
“Prorex Ar’gur Sheo’roth! The great regional governor of the Morr Mountain Range! Warrior and Equites of Rex Vul’prutes of the High Elves of the North! Will you dare to waste the lives of your men? Tarnish your name by doing something so out of hinge?!” He was animated throughout the monologue he gave, the chalk started drawing an image of a valiant Elven Knight on horseback, with a large wide cape and a crown of wings and feathers.
He wore armor styled to the perfect abs of his body and on his horse, an armor that had light metal wings. The drawing then started to fly around the blackboard as it dodged arrows and balls of magic.
The Noble Lady just fiddled with her thumbs more. Seeing this, the Doctor turns his eyes to the other students. All them looking back at him with fixed stares. But in the back at the higher floor, he sees a man in a peasants outfit, with an extravagant sword sheathed on his belt leaning down on the student next to the aisle.
Though his hands are on his back, daring not to touch the Noble’s personal artifact. He could clearly see his eyes were fixed on the battle map, reading it like it's a children's book.
“You! On the back! The new handsome face we have, the pretty blonde one I often see patrolling around town! Tell me! As an Elf, what was Prorex Ar’gur Sheo’roth thinking?!”
Seeing the drawn map, the boxes consisting of the field armies of King Gareth and of Prorex, a mere two small boxes with two exes on top and a cross. The legend on the bottom right showing his strength was a mere 50,000 High Elves, against King Gareth who had 150,000 and an additional 380,000 on the way coming from the mountains.
His finger traces the arrow of the attack, the Nobleman just leaning away from him as his attentive eye followed the battle’s pace. His pupils acted as if he was in that very fight.
“It was a diversionary attack, not a hail mary-gore or whatever. Prorex Ar’gur plans on escaping but is cornered by the Hills. Looking at this drawing, he chose to divide his fifty thousand into twenty five. One runs, another holds.”
“EXACTLY! Tell me Humnus! What is your name?!”
“Jackson, Paul Jackson.”
“THEN, MISTER JACKSON! Tell me! Have you ever been to war? Have you ever led men to their deaths that you knew exactly what to do in dire times?!”
“I have. Many times. Numerous times.”
Everyone then turned to him, including Bannir and Lushu.
“I see… no wonder. Then, did you think he made it out?”
“I… I don’t know. If there was no one waiting for him on the other side of those hills, he probably made it out with maybe a few hundred or a few thousand losses only.”
“Sadly, what awaited him on the other side of that hill is a combined force of Man and Beast folk. Accounting to over five hundred thousand soldiers. He died where he stood, he didn’t surrender. Good to see a Watcher who has a keen eye in tactics, what would you, a Human who has experience in actual leadership in war make of Prorex Ar’gur’s attack?”
“I can see why she called it a hail gore. Any human at this point wouldn’t have even thought of escaping. It's do or die right there. Though I don’t know much about King Gareth aside from the stories, I guess he himself is a genius of sorts. He didn’t press on after cornering the Elves. Instead, waiting for their escape. Less bloodshed and less violence but the enemy is gone and you're victorious.”
“Hmmmm… I like you Mister Jackson. You seem to have a breath of experience not these mere minglings can attain in their decades inside their mansions.” Doctor He’ruth then walks back to the podium with his hands behind his back. “You do not know King Gareth? Yet you stand here to teach… Bannir. I saw your eyes, boy.” The Nobleman then bowed his head.
“Where have you found this man? Had your parents allowed this? I believe they weren’t planning on having you fight on the front commanding a troop of your own with such a teacher by your side.”
“I found him on the Square. He had a great dragon as his companion.”
“So the rumors were true? A Black Dragon was in the city at one point? And Mister Jackson here, owns it?”
“Not own. She’s my… not so subtle compatriot and partner in crime. A bit retarded and aloof at times, but she’s my dearest Dragon and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I see… Could you be an Outlander, Mister Jackson?”
“... I am.”
He’ruth then stands up, rubbing his chin closely as he walks down the stage and to the staircase that goes up the aisle. “Fascinating… truly. I have read books from your world and even I am shocked by the discoveries your species has made.” He then walks back, eyeing Bannir and also Lushu. The two Nobles fixated on something entirely different from the rest.
“Tell me, what rank did you hold?”
“Errrr… here?” The Elf shrugs. “Nay. Back in your world.”
“Colonel. Joint Mechanized Brigade. Three Battalions of Main Battle Tanks, Two Battalions of Infantry Fighting Vehicles and One Battalion of Anti Air. An artillery battery with eighteen guns usually accompanied us and the occasional Air Wing and then there was Captain Benedict’s Veteran Assault Infantry Company.”
“Hmmm… Impressive. I am getting and this Battalions of yours holds no horses and are all machines, correct?”
Continuing to rub his chin, the High Elf sat lazily on the podium and drank his floating mug full of tea.
“Yes. It’s all machines.”
“I find this to be an amazing chance for something.” He stands up suddenly and takes his book from the podium. “Everyone, get your empty books out and prepare to write. Colonel Jackson.”
“Uhm… please just call me Jackson.”
“Nay! I require you to be in your position and rank! Give us a lesson in attacking a city! The next topic was supposed to be the siege of the City of Castrum. I shall instead make it a lesson about attacking a city in your world. Entertain me and give me insight I will never have the chance to attain ever again!”
He then puts his finger up and points it at him where the chalk from the blackboard suddenly flew straight at his palm without question. Captain Julieanne also stood up and leaned on the hardwood railing at the top floor as Jackson breathed a long sigh and started to go down the aisle.
Eyes all watching him and he could feel each one of them. “Oh. Interesting.” Julieanne leans forward even more, seeing the cold and heartless expression on his face all of the sudden.
On the podium with his chalk, he turns around to see the class of over fifty nobles. Facing the blackboard, he then draws a pair of two lane highways with gas stations on either sides of it and in English, writes “Ipragaz-Karnafil petrol” and then in another arrow, he writes “Kayseri.”
The High Elf was busy drawing it and even reading out the English words he wrote. “K-K-Keyseri?”
“Yes. It is a large industrial city located in Central Anatolia. It has over one point six million people living in it. Well, it used to be.”