"Q-Quiet..." I groan at the blaring alarm I had set the night prior. Yet, it was also not the only alarm In had. Because my roommate was a dragon for all intents and purposes. And, if it wasn't for the problems I would cause for myself, I'd choke her with a pillow.

But, her noise did prevent me from going back to sleep. So I grabbed my things, piled neatly in a certain spot so I always knew where it was. And I went out into the area outside of the rooms. Then, slowly, I tried to get changed into my physical education kit.

"How am I not used to this, already?" I asked myself after standing still for a few minutes. And I think it was a valid question. I've been doing this routine since I passed the entrance exam, really. But, here I was, tired and out of it with a pestering chill all about.

However, it was not enough to make me retreat back into my warm bed. So I went down the stairs, careless of any noise I made on the way down. Then, I went into the kitchen and pulled a string out of my pocket. I made a knot with it, and then I grabbed a piece of cheap steel from a pot on the windowsill.

And, as it was rolled about my hands, I watched as it started to rust, "Let's get going, then." I mumble as the last of the initial morning grogginess left me.

I grabbed the rest of my equipment, and I went to and out the door to our dorm. Shivering in the morning cold before I started to jog down the pathway of our street. And, like usual, it was quiet. A few others were up, but, initially, I was the only one doing anything.

More people out for morning runs, however, were spotted once I got to my destination. A small shop meant for the students of Traditional House. And, like every other day, I grabbed a small meal and waited to be served. But, some were just not rid of the morning grogginess, and the queue moved slowly.

"M-Morning, Baltanthan..." the woman at the till greeted as she yawned and blinked slowly.

And, that yawn was infectious, "M-Morn..." I couldn't even finish before I let out a long breath through my nose.

"Still going at it?" she asked me as I became what bothered me only moments before. Thankfully, we had no short-tempered people here. As that would just make me want to combat their complaints with my own.

"Yeah, the Inter-House Talent Display has yet to happen." I commented without my usual snark for a question like that. I was just too tired right now to really care.

"G-Good luck with today, then." she yawned out before she waved me off.

"Stop yawning..." I complained as I yawned on the way out with a small bag. Then, once I had secured it into my grip so that it wouldn't bounce about. I started to jog again, this time with greater vigour as the problems of waking up vanished. And, for a short while, all I heard was my feet hitting the path.

And once my final destination came into view, I slowed down before entering the large building. From there, I moved into its depths and put my food aside while extracting the drink. I then just walked about until I found my spot. But, before I could do what I wanted, I needed to prove it was me.

"One slightly rusted washer." I said to the machine as I waved the magically-affected item by it. Something I kept up until I was finally allowed into the training room. Thankfully, as well, because I was able to keep this spot for an extended period of time. I could just get to it, no equipment had to be moved about.

"Aw, little Ravineer still coming here?" the girl in the cubicle over mocked as she leaned over the low wall separating us.

"What do you want, Rosheney?" I asked what had essentially become my morning routine bully. Not that I would ever admit it in the open. I wouldn't hear the end of it if that were the case. But, she really did frustrate me.

I hated the fact she found out I was not from a mountain-state...

"To be able to train for the Inter-House without knowing some thing from down below is on my team." she told me with a smile that did not belong.

However, I just rolled my eyes and got to it. As I can't ignore her, I was too aware of her voice for that. But, I could at least let it fuel my desire to improve. So, there was that at the very least to make it bearable.

And I could only wish for the kind of equipment Oddity and Exceptional House got. I had this little cubicle with some low-grade equipment while they had malleable pocket spaces! How was anyone meant to get on their level if all Traditional House had were these? But, for all my complaining, this stuff worked fine.

I was not strong enough to make the most of anything more than it. So I tried to keep my focus and kept on going at it. I lifted the weights when I was using them. I used the fancy breathing devices designed to help magic circulation. And, of course, I occasionally looked on in jealousy at Rosheney.

She was from Thrurstradtur, so her magic was naturally better as she was from higher up. But, as she was female, her real strength shined in her ability to cast spells. She could make small magic blasts without the need for a conduit or blood magic. Meanwhile, I could only rust metal because my early life boredom has somehow screwed me over...

Then, she caught me watching her, and she smirked, "Oh, I'm sorry, Ravineer? Is there something wrong?" she asked me as her magic made itself known while she lifted some weights.

"No." was all I had to say to her before I went back to stewing in my rage. And, deep inside of me, the machine swirled about my own magic while injecting more into me. In reality, it was a fancy breathing device. Possibly based on an ancient machine dug up by the Archeological Study and Relic Extraction Club.

The same club my second alarm was a part of. I could ask about this machine, actually. It would have my ears bleeding and broken by the end of it. And, I would no longer have to put up with Rosheney's comments.

Because my ears would be broken beyond repair because my roommate never shut up about her club. I have really had it with her incessant blabbering about that giant glass chamber her group has found. I really have. How can she talk so much about something she knew next to nothing about!?

"Heh, look at it go." I quietly commented with a smirk as I read the counter in front of me. I was able to break yesterday's record by working myself up into a silent rage! Yet, I also regretted it as it made me easier to annoy.

Which, a certain someone was certainly putting to use as she was an obnoxious one. So now my good feelings were making way for growing annoyance. Because she wouldn't stop commenting about how well she was doing in comparison to me... Every day it was like this...

I was sick of it, but, I also wanted to use it as well as I could. Yet, even then, I had my limits, so, I finished up with what I was doing and headed out to the range. Maybe today would be the day I could cast some kind of spell without a conduit. As, thankfully, I was able to avoid the fall that was blood magic.

Even if the name was far more intimidating than what it would actually do for me. I used wind magic, so all that would happen is that I would be breathless. So why did they insist on calling it blood magic!? No blood was involved!

"Okay, a target..." I mumbled to myself as I messed with the machine next to me. Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding, being the intuitive institution it was. Had a lot of insight into how magic developed and worked. So, they gave even us of Traditional House some arcane fabricators.

Which meant I could create a target made of metal. But, with the small space I had to work with, it was only a small box I could make. And, once I was done setting up a target, I walked out onto the range and stood near it. First marking its backside with some rust to make sure my magic was working.

A pointless test when you thought about it, but, it was a part of my routine with this bit. Then, once I circled back around to the front of the target. I spread my feet apart and held out my hand and breathed in deeply. I tried to concentrate on any unfamiliar feelings inside of me and I tried to bring them out.

Yet, no matter how long I stood there with a trembling, claw-like hand, nothing happened. I kept up with it, however, for a few moments, but, someone followed me and set me off. Because she set up her own target and blasted it right from the start of the range. Meanwhile I had to move so close to the target in order to achieve nothing!

"DAMMIT!" I roared at the metal box before I slapped it with a loud bang. But, even the process of the piece I slapped going orange before falling apart did nothing to calm me. In fact, I only got angrier as she was now howling with laughter.

"You're pathetic, Ravineer!" she cackled before she walked off. But that only made me angrier, as she only came over to enrage me.

"Laugh all you want..." I growled out before I turned back to my box. But, because I had struck it out of anger just now, I had to reset it. Because I would not be able to tell if a projected spell worked properly like this. Yet, when I got to the machine again, I hesitated as now I was left wondering if there was a point...

I was a ravineer in over his head right now. Most people here were either foreign students who came here because Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding was a great school. One of the best in the world for magic... Or they were mountain-born and got to feel the winds of Jhroungijherammujhernosumonaterikra at their purest.

I came here because I wanted to learn magic, but, what I had learnt up until I got up here barely meant anything! I barely made it past the entrance exams and was suffering from a lack of sleep during that time! I was a weakling from a forgettable town in a storyless intersection of mountains... Yet, despite that, I still made it.

"I am a student, a student of Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding!" I suddenly declared loudly, full of pride. My previous thoughts were still there, but this injection of optimism was what I needed to give it another go. And I did just that, I worked to prove people like Rosheney wrong. I worked so I could tell a younger me that it was worth it.

But, this time, I moved closer rather than returning to my prior distance. If I was having trouble with casting a spell. Then I just needed to squeeze a spell out. And when something was squeezed out, you stayed close to the target!

"There we go!" I let out joyously as I watched rust spread across the new box I had prepared. It wasn't as damaging as my slap, but, it was something! And something was better than nothing!

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"And if you want to come back up the Spiraling Road, just present your Token of Entry and you'll be let in with none of the hands-on inspections getting in your way." the uniformed man behind his secured box informed me. And while I waited for him to be finished with my equipment, I moved the item between my fingers. It was a small circular thing, made of a brass-like metal like most of the things in this nation of deep-earth. Then, when I was done looking at it, I slipped it into an animal skin I had strung to me.

"So this is the way to the hunting reserve?" I asked one more time just to make sure I was reading it right. I hated all this technology as it deprived me of the joy of finding it myself. But, in cases like this, it was much better to rely on the easily despised produce of men. I did not know this land, and it was too different to my own.

This place was narrow, long and winding. I came from a land of crystalline plains that we never got too familiar with. I could ride freely back home, yet here, I was dictated to by the stone giants. This land of mountains was anathematic to my way of life.

"Indeed, the Animal Congregation Centre for the Light Seekers is along the Thrurstradtur-Enfeort ring-tram route." he confirmed before my equipment was finally returned to me.

"I see, thank you." I told him before I went outside to go see Lukhi. A small smile came to my face when I got outside as well. Because it has been so long since I have been able to ride him since coming to this land. I almost felt nostalgic as well once I saddled myself onto the partially gaseous creature.

Lukhi had grown quite popular in the time I was inside that building. Because he was surrounded by curious children who were now obstructing my way out. But, much to my pleasure, the parents were not careless enough to let their children see Lukhi on their own. He was a foreign steed, after all, they would have no familiarity with him.

"Shreychuo!" I barked in my native tongue before Lukhi reared up onto his misty rear legs before charging. And soon, we had put enough distance between the crowds and I that I could elicit greater speed. Speed that made me bring down my hood just so I could enjoy it more. For a moment as well, I felt the nostalgia of home come to me.

The wind was sending my hair flying and Lukhi's thunderous hooves provided a steady rhythm. And, not long after, I let my throat sing a soothing tone once I got into that rhythm. But, while I was enjoying the joy the sensation of the ride gave me. All these great stone pillars I rode by, the well-maintained roads and isolated groups of guards.

It made it clear that it was only nostalgia, a necessary evil to make sure I did not vanish mentally. I may often dream of home, but I came here of my own volition. Our elders and shamans spoke of developed lands often. And I wanted to see one of them so that I may learn. Some of our tribe's greatest riders, after all, went on an adventure before they led the charge of our people.

I intended to do the same, or, at the very least, emulate such a journey. I was not married, yet, but when I finally did share such a bond. I would have many great stories to tell to encourage similar spirits. I hated these mountains, but even I could not deny the awe of my first sight.

To head south from the tip of the world and along the rolling hills of northern lands. To then finally arrive at the borders of the land of the self-proclaimed Great People. It was a memory I wanted my future sons and daughters to have. We could even revel in our hatred of the mountains when they came back.

"But, you're not all bad." I told the divided, fractured land once Lukhi came to a stop at a cliff of sorts. Down below, an open field rimmed by jagged rock. It was a plateau of a lesser mountain, but, it was close enough to a field for me. To make it even better, this was along the route I was told to take.

So I could ride down this cliff with no fear and enjoy that expanse of grass and flowerbeds. But, before I could do that, I had to bring Lukhi away from the cliff. Then, I ordered him back towards it until he sent us soaring into the sky. From there, the rest of Lukhi's strength became apparent, and we gently floated down to the land below.

And once we were close enough, the land echoed with Lukhi's thunderous charge once again. A contradiction some might see, but for me, it was a thing to respect. I was never going to be able to fly on my own, my magic wasn't good enough for it. But, I could at least feel the way a bird does for a brief moment on top of Luhki.

Another familiar sound, however, would catch my attention as well. Because I could hear the faint sounds of distant throat-singing. So, with that in mind, I directed Luhki towards it while staying silent. Either, it was a partner to converse with, or, I would find lands to hunt in.

To my joy, it was both, because I found a small horde gathering at one spot. We may have not built many permanent buildings in the far north. But, when we did, it stood out and I felt happy seeing it. Because I was now beholden to a vast crystalline dome of sorts.

It had the misfortune of carrying the signs of wind-people hands and craftsmanship. But, it was close enough that I could not say it bothered me. And it seems I shared the common opinion, as once I joined the horde. I heard many praises and compliments between other discussions.

"Hello, fellow rider, your face makes it clear you have only been here once." a square-jawed warrior said to me. He had split away slightly from the main body to come over to me. Why I could not figure out, but, I had no issue with it. A warrior as scarred as him would surely be an interesting conversationalist.

"It is that obvious?" I asked with a small smile. I was pretty sure my face was mostly devoid of emotion. But, riding Lukhi put me into a different mood when compared to being up in that school.

"No." he laughed out before I shook my bemused head.

"So, this is the hunting grounds for our people?"

"It is, but there is much more to it than just hunting. Depending on how used to it you are, it is either a blessing or a curse." he told me, something that made me frown.

"The wind-people have filled it with their manufactured amenities?"

"Yes, but that is because this place is seen as a place of entertainment."

I cocked a brow before frowning, "They ruin the hunt in seek of cheap thrills?"

"No, they only ruin it if your focus is not on your prey." he clarifies.

I scoff either way, as I just wanted to hunt like I used to, "Well, so long as they stay out of the way." I then mutter.

"Their absence can be counted on. They watch through magical means. They see us, but we don't see them."

"So you have been here many times before?"

"Ever since I have arrived in this land." he tells me, which, leaves me a little confused.

"Why would you spend so much of your time hunting? This land is not suited to our ways."

"Because for some, the appeal of a light-blessed hunter is enough to spill coffers and shatter open vaults."

I nodded at his answer, but, I felt some disrespect grow, "Well, I wish you well in your endeavours, then."

"So what do you seek to accomplish here?" the greedy rider asked me before he pulled out a plant to chew on.

"To no longer be cursed with blindness."

"Ah, you made a mistake that you seek to correct. That is a good goal."

I groaned quietly before I brought Lukhi to a halt, "I intend to be ignorant that this mistake ever happened. So, bless your hunts, fellow rider, but, I must be going." I tell him once we arrive at the vast building. And, to make it clear I wanted to be left alone, I pulled up my face mask and brought my hood up again. Those who were well-raised would understand what it meant.

But, I had the misfortune of being so knowledge deprived when it came to this place. Because there was some more boring line-waiting before I could go and hunt. It was a very boring affair and I was glad when it was finally over. Because, once it was done, I could just sprint out into a forest and move on to enjoying myself.

And, as much as it pained me that I could not ride Luhki during this hunt. It was, unequivocally for the best. If I could not hunt without blinding myself, then I endangered myself and Lukhi if I was to hunt from atop him. And I do not know what I would do if I lost my loyal steed because of my own incompetence.

So, for now, I had to hunt on my own. I had to give up part of myself so I could come back to it better than before. Yet, it was not all bad. Because hunting on foot had its own thrills and joys.

However, I would not be stalking large prey here, I was interested in the smaller things. Rodents and birds would be my desire for the time being. Their small size and the swiftness that often came partnered with such animals is what I needed. Because, they were harder to shoot, maybe the embarrassment of missed shots would purge me of my mistakes.

I did, however, find myself despairing at the thought of getting rid of this mistake. I have tried to learn what I could from the school, but only I could teach myself to be free of it. It was not like using a bow or riding or cooking your well-won game. I had to figure it out for myself, it was an uncomfortable situation, but I was a rugged man.

I was not going to back down from the challenge and I would see it triumphed over. So I was doing what I could to try and break away from it. Between failed shots, I sat and pondered while my vision recovered. Or, to calm myself, I let my lense crystal float between my palms.

"Perhaps if I did it without it...?" I then asked myself once I stood up. My vision had not fully recovered, but, it was only blurry at the edges of my eyes right now. So I could hunt right now, and, instead of bringing my lense crystal to my fingertips... I just held up my arm and let that guide my shot.

Unfortunately, however, not much came of it. But, I could at least take joy in the fact the bird I aimed for was now dead. A fine and small, but searing hole had been punched straight through it. I was now also half-blind as I had sacrificed only one eye's eyesight.

"Now, I must try and figure out how I can reduce it further." I commented before I fell to the ground and picked up the bird. And, with each feather that I plucked off while I stewed in my thoughts. An optimistic feeling grew because only losing one eye was better than two.

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"So, what are we doing today, Omb?" I asked my friend, who, in this case, I had to treat as a teacher. He hasn't done anything but eat since I met up with him and I was growing impatient. I had made a lot of progress in regards to my ice magic. But, he was growing increasingly confusing.

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"I'm going to eat and be full." he told me with a smile before he finely cut a slice of meat out of his meal. Not one bit of its fatty juices and sauce covered skin dripping down on the way up.

"Not you, we!" I repeated before I groaned as my cheek rested against my knuckle.

"I don't know what you're going to be doing." he chuckled out before he ate another slice.

"Oh, you know. That thing we agreed to do since we met up on the ship to this land? That thing I had to pester you about for weeks and weeks before I got an answer?" I sarcastically let out as icy mist began to emit from my hands.

"And what was that?" he asked me with a knowing smile before my head fell to the table.

"Do you just not want to teach me anything today? You could have just made that clear!" I tell him, irritated by the waste of my time. And I made it clear by slamming my palms against the table. A thin layer of quickly-melting frost has been left behind.

"Oh, I intend to teach you. But, we need to know that you are learning." he says with a serious tone as he puts him utensils down.

"Oh? Am I learning? I don't know." I trap off as mist comes back to my palms.

"Not like that, Tiyanat. What I mean is, it is important for you to develop something on your own. I have passed on my knowledge of heat to you by working alongside you. But, you need to bear in mind that ice is not fire." he says to me with a respectful tone. But, his choice of words only made me think that he was treating me like an idiot. Of course, I was fully aware ice was not fire!

"I can cast this magic fine, though. I don't need to figure anything out." I tell him with confused frustration. Flicking my hand towards my sister as she played with the water in the sink.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" she screamed as her hands were encased in a block of ice. Ice Omb quickly melted with an increasingly rare display of magic.

"Th-Thank you..." Larishazza cried out before laughing as she played up the pain she felt.

"My pleasure, Cheerful!" he told my sister before he turned back to me, "But, Tiyanat. You need to remember where you came from. So it will be best for you to go train on your own. Independent of my influence."

"Independent of it...? My magic has been irrevocably changed by yours! How am I meant to be independent of it!?" I asked him in an almost pleading like manner.

"You'll need to figure that out on your own." he told me with what was clearly the final thing he would be saying to me. As, once his mouth closed, he opened it up again only for a bowl of noodle soup...

"Fine, then. I'll do it on my own." I let out, annoyed by this unhelpful, so-called lesson. And, in a display of pettiness so I could get my frustration out. I froze his soup as it was going down his mouth.

"Hm, interesting. Never had a slushed soup before." he laughed out when his magic quickly melted it after. But all I had was a groan which I made sure he heard before I stopped it once I got outside the dorm. And, I stood there for a little bit, unsure of what to do as my foot tapped the stairs harshly. Then, with a click of my tongue, I walked away from the dorm.

He wanted me to go and do something on my own. So, surely, that meant I should head on over to a training centre, no? I should go there, set up some targets and freeze them? That's all I really could do, no?

"You frustrating Holeman." I groaned as my fingers flexed about and or squeezed my palms. A subtle behaviour that I kept up until reached my destination. It was one I wasn't too happy to see, either. Because I found it more fun with Omb as we often did day trips down into the lands below.

The progress I made became a briefly immutable characteristic of the land. We could walk past the places I froze and watch as the sights steadily got more impressive. Of course, my earliest days had no presence here. Because Omb first started teaching me while we were sailing.

So the least impressive marks of my power were not the feeblest of them. But, they served the same purpose. I could reference them as we walked to a new place to train our power. Yet, I suppose that was his point, I was training our power, not mine.

Stupid as a point it was, I think I was starting to unravel his meaning. Assuming he had a meaning at all. If he didn't, I would scare him all the way back to his hole. If he did, well, a silent thanks would do.

"Now, about you..." I muttered as I fiddled around with the controls of one of the fancy training rooms. All of it was mine to command but so much choice was paralyzing. However, I quickly figured out something I could do. Because thinking of the older me reminded me of what I used to do.

I could not make ice so casually when I first started. I just made water cold or warm, not that it mattered. Water magic was always in tune, really, with its surrounding weather. Cold when moody, warm when bright.

But, I have long since figured out how to truly alter its temperature. And, the result was my ice magic. Something I struggled with at first as solid objects, frankly, felt weird magically. I was raised to work with fuilidity.

"So why did I do this? It was no issue at all?" I asked myself as I paced about the flooded training room. My steps were freezing the surface of the water and I solidified it all the way down to the floor. A pair of suddenly forming stilts for each step I took. And, just to prove nothing to myself, I melted the ice I was no longer on.

And, I found myself getting annoyed again because I still did not know what to do. So I stopped using my ice magic and fell into the water. I then easily floated on my back once it had calmed down. It did not matter if I got wet, really, I could just heat the room up...

Then, all of a sudden, I sat up in the water and fell to the bottom. My eyes just barely reached above the surface before I rose up. Was that perhaps what he meant? If Larishazza got unnecessarily soaked, she used her magic to dry herself.

I, however, had Omb do it... I found someone else or something else to do it or I waited. I did not actually use my magic to do it. I did not call upon my knowledge of water to take it off my skin and out of the fibres of my clothes.

"Okay, let's try something else." I said to no one as there was no one but me. And, once again I messed around with the room controls and isolated the water. Now, instead of flooding the place, I had basically made a swimming pool. But this was so I could make a spot to dry myself while not getting wet again.

Yet, as I was still wet from before, I gave it a go before using my newly set up tools. I focused on my hands at first, as I could focus the most on them. I could watch my progress and feel it better. The hands had a very important role in magic, but, not the most important.

However, to my confusion, I had trouble feeling out the water unless I froze it. Which, made it very clear that this was probably what he meant. I couldn't use my water magic anymore, really. And, to be frank, I was not sure how I was ever going to learn to use it again.

I was determined to be a great practitioner of ice magic, so reversing that progress was off the table. Yet, maybe there was a way I could make this work. Ice was just frozen water, so what if I just manipulated the ice I made? But, as the frozen water flaked off of me, I couldn't help but feel like I did something wrong.

"Damn you and your mind-jogging thought experiments..." I complained with a sigh while my finger spun the pool water about. Even with this much water, I could not sense it unless I froze it or chilled the water. And, as I spun it about, I steadily started to freeze it until I had mostly frozen, but sludgy water.

So, then, I tried practising with that as that seemed to be the closest I could get to actual liquid water. And, I copied my sister a little and danced about with the partially frozen water snaking about. An arcane grip directed it all over the room until my open palm made it explode into snow. Then, I groaned in thought once again as I was only making myself lost.

"No... He had to have been messing with me... He just wanted to enjoy his food in quiet, surely?" I asked myself as I began to get ready to leave. But, when I got back to the console, my pride withheld me from further action. I just couldn't muster the strength to push the Exit button. Then, I swore under my breath as I went back to it.

This time, however, I just raised my hand and shot ice out of it. Very slowly and methodically transitioning it into sludge again. Then, eventually, I was able to have a stream of chilly water shoot from my palm. But, the joy of doing it made it become ice again.

I did not care, though, I had managed to accomplish my goal and potentially learn the lesson. This experience, however, had given me an idea. What if I learned to go back to water magic but used it as a means to spread ice magic? I could fool others and easily practise it on my mentally-out-of-it sister.

"Well, it's better than nothing." I tutted out before I turned to leave once again. Only to then rush towards the pool and jump in it. Quickly getting out of it with a shiver and then just standing there. Dripping from head to toe with chilly water.

And, with a slow breath and rattling teeth, I was able to take the water off. I had managed to do what my sister does so casually! It almost made me want to prance about cheering. But, I couldn't help but think about how I did it.

"I still felt out the temperature of it, not the fact it was water..." I commented as I shivered on the way to the console once again. And I was left humming in thought as I set up the means to warm myself up. And I was left even more confused as the heat source could not be felt out. It was, too warm if that somehow made sense...?

I guess it didn't matter, for now, I had some time to learn what I was apparently doing wrong. Maybe I would figure it out in time, or maybe I would not. It's not like it is a crippling issue. Just one that has my mind abuzz with confused thoughts.

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"Oh, that hit the spot just right." I cheerfully tell anyone who would listen at this most welcoming table. And, as always, a cheerful woman with dull, but still colourful blue-hair smiled at my words.

"So will this!" she declares as she puts me through another round of her antics. But a swift hand of mine knocked her aim off course and instead, my student, her sister got soaked.

"Larishazza..." I tut with a low, but in-serious tone. A knowing smile formed once she ran off, an annoyed sibling in hot pursuit. And when I heard her playful screams, I roared out a laugh.

"Let me guess, same as before?" my student asks me as she leans past the door frame with a face full of bother.

"If you'd be so kind." I answer as I slowly get up with the aid of a creaking table. Then, I head on out for the open skies outside. I did not want to linger as I knew full well what would happen if I did. I would enjoy myself too much with the antics of others.

But, upon sudden inspection, I realised I had left too hastily. And I moved as quickly as I could back inside so I could get my wallet. I did not need it, in reality. But, it gave my fingers something to be dexterous with on my walks to the shops.

"Heads." I predict as I flip a lucky coin I had brought here from my home. But, my guess was wrong and I instead ended up with the tail-end of the coin. I would have gasped in horror, had it actually meant anything of note. However, it only mattered so long as I followed through with the plan I set.

That plan being, if I got the guess wrong, I could not eat any dessert during my trip. It saddened me slightly, but, it was for the best. Discipline was a core part of the warrior's mind. And, if I slipped up in that regard, I brought shame to and undermined myself.

Yet, it was not all bad, because there was quite a selection of food here to enjoy regardless. Juicy meats, thin and thick broths and potent booze. I could appease my desires with many small or a few great meals. And, to make it all better, I brought much joy to those around me when I ate.

So many opportunities to eat with old friends and to make new ones. It was a great time to have and I enjoyed the repetition of it. There were no complexities beyond what everyone brought. There was only good food and even better company.

"See ya, Ombbo!" Larishazza waved out to me before she narrowly avoided a block of ice. A block that went on to scrape my side.

"I'll see you at dinner!" I laughed back as the ice continued onwards until it fully melted. Its brief brush with me having taken away its form and replaced it. And, having just seen that, I became a little cautious. A little more reserved.

I had to be careful with all this magic in me after all. Eating wasn't just a source of pleasure for me. It was a core part of what I had in mind for the Inter-House. I wanted to impress whatever family member came.

More so, I wanted to inspire awe and fear in the competing houses who came to watch. I wasn't the only Errakurd here after all. There were quite a few hoping to find a new power to overwhelm the over. In fact, I was pretty sure sending daughters and sons abroad was increasingly popular.

New ways of fighting, new ways of appeasing our people and the Honourable War himself. They could all be found outside of the very peak of our lands. And, while I looked forward to the day I would go home. I wanted to spend more time on the surface.

Just so I could enjoy all they had to offer as it was so much more flavourful. The animals could be fattened and the fruits were moist! Delicate spices could grow and water flowed unimpeded. Sure, my home took its ideas of conflict beyond just fire and sword...

But, it was another thing entirely to see the labours of the peaceful surface people. As shocked and awed they might be to find out we Errakurd considered them peaceful. It baffled them, it really did, especially my two good friends back at the dorm. Our place of rest and warm affection where both were found aplenty.

And it made me laugh when I thought about it. I had once told my student, dear Tiyanat of the Sl'Ayiysab. But, the ease with which she set her mind on something made her misunderstand. She could not see what I was doing, only what she saw.

"To be fair to her, however, there is a lot to see." I laughed out as I expressed the joy my thoughts led me to. And, shortly after saying that, I found another reason to smile with joy. Because I had now arrived at my favourite place in the whole academy. Admittedly, however, any place where good food was, was my favourite place.

"There he is!" the baker cheered as I came in through the door with a smile on my face. And, when I got close enough to him as he came out to meet me, we collided. Our big, fat bellies rippled against each other before we clasped hands. The sound of our laughter bringing light to the otherwise joyous shop.

"Mr Baker, oh Mr Baker. What have we today?" I asked as I let my nose suck in as much as it could. And, between blissful sighs as I smelled the warm bread, the toasty buns and icing covered cake. I grew envious of my recently returned friend. Her nose was so good at what it does, I only wish I could smell as well as her.

I was content with what I could smell, though, it was already such a good experience. And while it could have been so much better, I was grateful for how it was. After all, there was such a thing as, unfortunately... Too much of a good thing.

"What I have prepared for my best customer today is a fine special indeed. Risen flatbread made with wheat scythed from the northern plains beyond the Great Border Range. Dusted in dried fruit moss from the caves beneath the city of Hlenunt, and, of course, baked within the confinement of my special oven."

"Oh, I grow ravenous already." I tell him as I pat my belly as I find myself looking at that thick, bulbous but hard-skinned bread. However, when he brought over a small, copper pot, I grew curious. It was such a modest vessel that I could not help be curious.

"And here," he begins to say while also pulling out a lidded bowl, "A soup made using my good Ma's recipe. It ha-"

"No, speak no more. I know everything I need to about this soup." I tell him with a smile as I fell in love with its origins. There was nothing better than food aged by the experience of a mother over the years. Mine may have never cooked much. But, if she came hunting, she made a divine barbeque.

"And the price, a compliment to my good Ma when you next see her." he jokes as I hand over the necessary amount of money for the clearly priced meal.

"When I next see her is but an inevitability!" I tell him as I wave on my way out. A small container in my hands in which my bread and soup resided. Then, once the chiming of the bell ceased to be, I looked around for a bench to sit at. Or, perhaps I was better off looking for a table?

After all, any spills could be cleaned with far greater ease than if they spilt onto me. Not that I had any intention of showing such lacking skill at the place of my meal. I wanted to and would savour every bite, or, in this case, spoonful. But where I would enjoy my food was another question entirely.

The winds of the greatest mountain had given me a cool, steam-wafting breeze to work with. The Orbital-Halo was shining brightly and was barely obstructed by clouds. I could rest under the shade or have it periodically come by. But, the chirping of birds made my decision come quickly.

"Such sweet little things you have there." I said quietly to the mother bird as she fed her chicks with food taken from across the academy. A latest edition of which was the flatbread I had bought. But, she never took it from my palm when she saw my offer. It was too hard, of course!

So, I made way to break it down for her until it was something she could give to her young. Yet, she was a curious mother that was hungry herself, so she pecked the moss from my palms. And, I chuckled lightly as her beak prodded me until she took the rest of it for her chicks. Then, I dug in once I offered silent thanks to any god involved in this meal.

From the Potted God for his fruit moss and the Companion God for his sacrifice. Then, I gave thanks to the First Mother for helping my chef grow the way she did. Because this soup was truly divine. I could taste every bit of nurture in the warm liquid.

I could tell from what I have seen of the baker that this was made to his tastes. The way the veg was cut, the manner in which the meat was sliced. It all matched up with how he did it himself. And, knowing him, it was because the recipe told him to, not because he wanted to.

"I really do need to see the woman that raised that man. Because, by the gods, that soup was perfect." I complimented once I came to the end of my meal. A half-soaked piece of softer bread that I had been given soon entered my mouth. He knew full well that the flatbread would neither last nor work for what was to come. So, a fluffier one had been given.

And, because of his foresight, I had a bowl that showed no signs of soup ever being there. I was thankful for it, because such a fine meal should not have a single drop wasted. It was not the solid, left-over fat of meat staining the bowl. It was a mother's lovingly prepared ambrosia and it just demanded to be eaten in its entirety.

However, now I was left with a conundrum. I was carrying dead weight that I was not rude enough to leave lying about the academy. And the bakery was so, so very far away now. But, as I looked back at the bakery I recently left, I took on an expression of glee.

Because I had found another place I could go to in order to seek more food. It was the perfect place to get a meal to fuel my journey back to the bakery next door! So, with an eager clap and freshly licked lips, I got up and went to it. But, before I stepped in, I looked at what was on display here.

"Hm, cold meat sandwiches and fatty, sausage pastries. I think I will enjoy what is available here." I said to myself as I happily nodded at the food on display. Yet, before I went in, I made sure to bring out my lucky coin. And I flipped it with the head's side being up in mind. And, with an ecstatic cheer to mark that it indeed was, I went inside.

"Why good morning, what can I get you?" the confident man behind the counter asked me as he prepared another meaty roll before my eyes.

.

.

.

"Roseli, where are you?" I asked as I exited the bathroom of my student apartment. One hand in my pocket while the other span emerald magic around the fingers. I had only gone in there briefly to freshen up and she had already vanished. But, knowing what she did with the money she accumulated, I was going to enjoy the sight.

"Why don't you come and find me, my love?" she answered back with a whisper that I heard with my magic.

"Find you? Well, if you insist." I say with a growing smirk as I began to hunt for a specific signature. And, when I found her, it was because she was speaking with those bulbs of hers. A sweet voice that could only be heard with magic.

"You best find me quickly... These straps can only cover up my honey-taps for so long..." she whispered lustfully with her arcane voice. And, with a newfound eagerness, I picked up the pace until I found her. But, despite the tone and theatrics her voice had, she was just lounging about casually.

I smiled and shook my head on the way other to her, "I think this will stay on fine." I tell her as I briefly hook my finger into her fancy bra. And, just as quickly let it go flicking it back towards her.

"Stop it!" she giggled before she turned around and rose up to match me. But, being on your knees only did so much. So I picked her up and brought her over the sofa. Putting my lips against hers while her legs wrapped around me.

However, much to the disappointment of both of us. I put her down as I had other things I had to attend to right now. I had gone into the bathroom to freshen up before I saw my friends, after all. The way she moaned in disappointment, however, was a good argument for standing them up.

Yet, I had a disciplined mind, "Sorry, Roseli, but, already have plans." I tell her before I gave her a final kiss.

"Then those plans can include me." she confidently said as her arm wrapped around mine and she pressed up against me. The intricate looseness of this lingerie-like casual wear of hers allowed me two things. One, to feel her soft body compressed behind the softer fabric. And, two, to feel what she did not cover up as it bulged out with greater force.

"Well, I believe they already were going to include you, anyway." I laugh out before I shook my bemused head. Roseli was a clingy one, she liked to be around me. She most certainly enjoyed doing it as well when there were others who had their eye on me. But, what could I say?

I looked good and I made sure others saw it too. So, it was only natural that someone would show off their prize. A good quality, well-made trophy always was worth displaying after all. And, our walk out of the apartment made that clear.

My trophy rack was fit to burst at this point and all of it was from storied events that occurred in this place. But, Roseli might have been the first woman I have ever met that never cared for it. She always looked at them with an expression that said one simple thing. I have seen better.

Which, unfortunately, brought the bug to mind as she had made it clear he was her last... Pairing... It frustrated me to think about that creature, because had I not proven myself? I was stronger, yet, Roseli always brought it back to him.

It made no sense whatsoever, weren't aelenvari meant to be cold creatures? They saw someone stronger and that was it? No more loving between the pair? Admittedly, I was fine with the idea of being proven wrong.

It's just, aelenvari had a reputation, they did. It was a rare thing indeed for them to linger on one lover. Not that I had any intentions of treating this as a mere excuse for sex with Roseli. It just, bothered me sometimes when it became clear how unwilling she was to forget the bug.

"So where are you lot?" I asked the wind as I sent my magic out across the fields we found ourselves walking in. Unlike Traditional House, what we Exceptionals had was vast arrays of flowers and artwork. An exceptional landscape, for the most exceptional students.

"By the Inter-House Information Handler. Something big is going down." I got back as an answer not long after.

"The Inter-House?" I repeated in confusion, I highly doubted that it was being cancelled. Thrurstradtur would have to be at war for that to happen. And, my brief glimpse to the skies caught sight of no airships flying the Mighty Moon's banner. Beyond the airship of our resident royal, of course.

But, outside of that, I could not think of anything. Unless they were just walking in on a fight that was entertaining? But that made no sense either as staff would be there the moment it went off. There was a Suhurlodst Academy Guard, after all.

So just what could it be? Maybe it had something to do with that new creature that caused a fuss recently? Were people just excited to see her fight in the Inter-House? Admittedly, I was keen to watch her too, as I had no interest in taking part this time.

Yet, once we waded through the crowds upon arriving. I got my answer as to what was causing all this ruckus. The reason my friends went here wasn't because of petty squabbling, it was because of an ungodly rumour. Though, now, it wasn't so much a rumour as an unavoidable truth.

"Nin..." Roseli muttered with a horrified gasp before she ran off.

"Rose!?" I called out as I spun around at first. But, she had already left my sight and with so many people here, I'd not be able to find her.

"How... How can they let the osibindah take part!? It's bad enough it's back!" one student cried out as her magic flared about her. She was not the only one saying stuff like that, either. Nearly everyone here was voicing such an opinion. With the exception of any Oddity House students who did not understand the rightful hatred and fear of the bug.

"Hey, Seigunfrei, look at this!" one of my mates called out as he waved me other while also pointing at another bit of information.

"You've got to be kidding me..." I groaned as I saw what the staff had measured him up as. The student who needed half a dozen added on scores was ranked this high!? What were the teachers and advisors thinking!? Having beaten him so casually, I could say right here right now he was not Exceptional material.

Because that is what he had been measured up as. The usually wise women and men of this respected place had declared that bug Exceptional House material... How, I could only wish I could find out. But, the calmer side of me understood that they would have not made this call lightly.

So what had he been exactly up to...? Was this perhaps one of the reasons Roseli had trouble forgetting about him? She was like a nervous child who was unsure if they had succeeded? However, in this case, it would be that she had lingering memories of his growth?

But, that would have to wait, because my girl needed me to comfort her, "Move." I then demanded of those around me. And, when space had been cleared, I shot up into the sky on a pair of tornadoes before I dropped to the ground. A whimpering aelenvari just to my right.

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have run off like that..." Roseli cried as she wiped her eyes. I did not want to scold her, however, so I knelt before her. Taking her partially gloved hands into mine.

"R... Rose'lhia, is there something you want to tell me?" I asked her, concerned for her as this behaviour was so recently on the decline. But, since the bug had come back, she's started getting like this again.

"I'm... F-Fine... It's just..." she began to say before it all fell apart. She couldn't even form the sentences with her bulbs either. So it was clearly more than just some simple frustration.

"Before we started dating, when you and... Nin, were together. Had he done something to you? Threatened you? Attacked you? Anything bad?"

"N-No... He did nothing like that..." she whimpered as I brought her close and stroked her hair.

"Then why do you have trouble forgetting about him?" I asked as I briefly put some distance between us. My hair and eyes might not have been emerald in colour, but, I was powerful in my own right.

"I d-don't know..." she told me before the tears began to fall again.

"Do you think he is stronger than me?" I asked her as my hand moved towards her heart. Just in case her mind conflicted with the answer she might give.

"No... You beat him with such ease I hadn't expected..." she told me with a sniffle that left me confused. If this was as honest as could possibly be with her answer, then what was it.

But, even if I had trouble figuring it out, I did have one solution, "Then, I shall take part in the Inter-House. For your sake." I tell her as I stood up and looked back at the building I had just come from. My attention quickly returned back to her.

"How's that going to help!?" she despaired as one hand clutched her head. Almost as if it was trying to claw out the memories she had of the bug.

"Because, I think, for now, if I make it clear to you one more time, that he isn't in your best interest anymore, it will help us. But, most importantly, it will help you." I tell her with some uncertainty as I really did not know how to help her. Maybe I could ask about, go on a brief day trip to a flower or the Aelenvari District in Thrurstradtur but...

"Okay..." she then tells me with a smile before she gives me a quick, but still slow kiss.

I then smile back, "Well, let's go sign me up for it, then."

"Actually..." she starts to say as I help her to her tips.

"What is it? You want to take part?" I ask as bewilderment enters my mind. Roseli was not strong by any metric. She was, by personal admission, a priestess for all intents and purposes. She was not a fighter.

"Yes, I do... I believe that me seeing you beat him, in person, will have..."

"The impact that our last encounter did not?" I ask her as I remember how she came up to me during the conclusion of my last fight against the bug. She was not up top in the spectator's seats like everyone else. She was in the arena, skillfully danced around as I beat the bug.

"It might, I..." she began to say before I placed a finger on her lips.

"Shh now, don't worry about it. I'll handle it." I tell her, smiling softly until she regained the confidence I found so attractive about her.

"Okay, then, let's get you ready to show off, then!" she said as she began to tug on my arm and bring me back towards the building.