Chapter 172.

PART 1.

Hatori is working with Nandan. Dimitri has tasked him to work with Hatori to work out some new spell elemental or otherwise, to affect a larger area. “Hm, I don’t think I should use this fire spell unless I’ve been given a large amount of fuel by my opponent. These conjured wires and streaming currents seem to be better, they don’t require much energy to maintain either.”

“True.” Agreed Nandan. “Why don’t you try to make them work on their own? not forever, but at least for around five minutes or so. Then you can recharge the spell.” said Nandan, pointing to the runic formula of the spell.

“I’ll do that. by the way, a simple fire might be out due to the energy consumption, but I really like this lava bit.” Said Hatori, pointing to the idea of melting the floor, and creating pits of lava.

“True, but it would be worthless. For a duel, you have to maintain your energy, no point in spending it. it is better to focus on those wires of yours.” Said Nandan.

He is happy with that idea. Combining conjuration and elemental magic like this is a great idea. Maybe he might do something like that for himself as well? ‘Though I’ll stray clear of lightning, to make sure I’m not violating the code of awesome brotherhood.’

The code is quite simple. Unless permission is given, you are not allowed to steal the awesome techniques or ideas of your fellow brother in awesomeness. anyone found violating this code will be given a dire punishment.

Meanwhile, the other competitors are going through a run. As Hatori works on improving the lightning wire spell, he hears the huffing and puffing of Praduman, Shin, and Josh, as they go for the next round once they complete their previous one. Hatori would have sympathized, but Master Zeko made him run harder, not to mention, that he got attacked a lot during his runs by the house. So, he is failing to care for their plight.

PART 2.

Later, after the run is over, and lots of water is consumed, Dimitri speaks with Shin. “The way I see it, the majority of your weaknesses come from not having destructive spells using wind elements. Therefore, I have collected these spells for you, to see whether you can do something with them or not. try to develop some of your own as well.” said Dimitri, giving him the list of the spells.

“Thanks, coach.” Said Shin, taking the list.

“Also, I believe it would be an advantage for you if you combine your music with your illusion.” Said Dimitri. “I can sense that you have enchanted the bells on your head, so try to do something more with it. alright?”

“Will do, thanks, coach.” Said Shin, noting the things down.

He will try to develop the new spells, and ask for Hatori’s input for testing them. he is good with that kind of work. His runic knowledge will also come in handy for him.

‘But I won’t go directly to him. first, I’ll give it a try myself.’ Thinks Shin. He does not want to use Hatori as a crutch.

PART 3.

Tom finds Hatori in the forest. It is near to a dangerous and restricted location, but Tom is not worried about being called here. he watches Hatori sitting on the raised platform with his legs crossed, waiting for him.

When he gets closer to him, he puts his palm down on the slab he is sitting on, and another similar slab rises from the ground. “Come, take a seat.” He gestures to the rock.

Tom braces for the uncomfortable hard rock, but he does not feel that when he sits on it. “I enchanted it for softness. Why not use the magic for comfort?” Hatori smirked.

“True. Speaking of which, how can I gain greater control over mine? Actually, what does greater control even mean?” asked Tom.

“Good questions. Let’s answer the second question first.” Said Hatori. Once more, he puts his palm on the slab, and this time, a boulder comes from the ground.

Hatori then aimed his finger at this boulder, and used the Piercing spell, making a smooth hole through the rock. “Do you see how smoothly I pierced it? no jagged edges, and no scratches inside either.” Points Hatori.

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Tom piers in the whole, and finds that Hatori is telling the truth. “And of course, I did it with a very little amount of energy. This is what control means. Using the spells with their maximum capacity, with very little energy. This would increase your power, and let you cast for a longer amount of time.”

“That seems to be hard. I don’t have years to practice it.” Tom points out a problem.

“True. But the international league is still several months away. We will have time to improve it enough that you will see immediate results.” Said Hatori.

“Okay. but what about my first question?” asked Tom.

“Why, we meditate of course.” Said Hatori. “We have to reach for our magic, and make a connection with it.”

“I’ve heard about this. Don’t you have to find a stream inside or something?” asked Tom.

“I found a sea.” Said Hatori.

Tom looks at him strangely. He then shakes his head and decides to focus on how to accomplish this task. “Do I have to sit like you?”

“Yes. don’t worry, I’ll be here to keep guard.” Said Hatori.

Tom sighed. Hatori didn’t get the point that he did not wish to sit like this for a long period. the security is not a concern for him. though it does not take long for Tom to forget these concerns, as the sound of the forest, and the evening breeze is enough to calm him down. Once he reaches this state, he tries to reach for his magic, wondering what will he find.

PART 4.

The next day, Daphne observes some girls ogling the boys as they do their daily workouts. Hatori is also ogled by many girls. Daphne goes to Chaya and Maya and asks. “Don’t you have any shame? Looking at the boys with such evil thoughts?”

“Not at all.” Replied Chaya.

“Good.” she then starts to ogle Hatori herself. “Because I don’t have any shame either.” She smirked.

PART 5.

Unaware of the conversation taking place between the girls, Hatori leaves after his workout is done. He is surrounded by younger students who saw him during the tournament. “Wow, no wonder you beat them all, you’re workout is so harsh!” exclaimed one boy.

“Not all of them. I lost two matches, remember?” reminds Hatori.

“True, but all the same, it was a great performance.” Said Suraj. As soon as he arrives, the younger students clear a path for him.

“How’re you doing?” he asked, looking Suraj up and down with his eyes hidden behind the illusion.

“Great. I’ve got my own battle to fight, you see.” Said Suraj.

Hatori turns to the younger students. “Listen you guys, if he ever bullies you, come to me. I’ve seen him here ever since he was a small and afraid kid.” Smirked Hatori, as he was dragged away by an embarrassed Suraj.

The students watch this interaction in awe, as Suraj is considered one of the strong candidates to win the position of president this year.

PART 6.

Speaking of the elections, the race is heating up. the voting will begin this week, and the marketing as Hatori likes to call it is at its peak.

Josh cannot wait for the voting to end, as he won’t be the president anymore by that point. because right now, he is trying to keep things together, so the next guy won’t have leftover problems to deal with. Hopefully, this will establish a precedent.

He sighed and completed the final report. “Once everything is done, I can focus on my dueling full-time.” He muttered to himself.

PART 7.

Praduman falls to his bed after dinner. The training was harsh today, and it will continue to be like this until the tournament arrives. Praduman used to think that Hatori was strong because of some secret magic of Zeko, but he now understands that he is strong because of his training.

His training is no doubt tougher than theirs. No wonder he turned out to be such a monster when it comes to magical combat.

At least his friends look at him in awe. One of them asked, “Tell me, doesn’t it bother you to team up with two nameless ones?”

“They proved themselves in the tournament.” He yawned. “That is what matters in the end.” He mumbled the last bit, already falling asleep.