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<12/02/1970 – 13:40 | Fronas, Gulop Region, Sprawn Valley>
The day had been slipping by peacefully, with the yellow glow of light beaming through the top windows near the staircase of the house. Smith scratched his chin while lounging on the couch in front of the television. Everything around him was quiet, even Tiffany. His wife was likely still in the bathroom, or in the bedroom possibly waiting for their daughter to return home from the inspection.
There wasn't much left to do today. Smith had already fixed the glitch in the primary generator located in the basement, minimizing the loss in electrical power to the house, and today was his day off from work. Normally, he would walk around his home town Fronas, being asked by nearly everyone to fix any broken machines or to build newer, better ones from old scrap. A freelancing mechanic is what some people called him, despite that not being his official job description. While the seconds slowly ticked by, Smith considered the second job offer he had the other day to help stock an entire store in the next town north. The pay is better, Smith reminded himself. But who knows where it may lead in the end?
"Honey? I'm about to make lunch."
Smith heard his wife over the sound of a distant flushing toilet, replacing his thoughts with the new directives. What Tiffany meant was to ask him to help set up the table and clean around that area, but she has her own unique way of communicating that much. One sentence means two things instead of one. While that took some time getting used to, this never bothered him after adjusting. If it is already that time again, then they should be home any minute now.
*Slam!* She broke the silence with the quick shut of the front door, shaking the foundations of the structure and possibly the ear drums of her parents. She could already see that dad was halfway into the kitchen, now focusing his attention on her, and Jane could only guess that her mother was already trying to make something to eat tonight. None of that mattered right now; the papers in her hand were all she cared about! Jane refused to hold in her excitement another moment longer. "I got it! I got it!"
"Jane?" the mother questioned. Just as always, Jane is so easily excited by anything. Right now, it looks like she might have grown half an inch!
Jane side stepped over to the dining room table, pulling out a chair for no apparent reason, refusing to sit down in it for now. "I got approved for eligibility! I can go to Dakota this January!" Jane excitingly shook the papers in her hand, then gently set them on the top of the wooden carved table.
Smith walked up to the dining room, already showing his daughter moral support. "Haha! I told you that day would come. So you can train at Dakota right?" He sat down in the chair opposite side of Jane's, proving to her that this was important for him to consider as well.
"That's right," Jane agreed. She firmly pointed to herself with pride. "Soon you'll be looking at an early trainee in the arts of Leray magic. I'll be able to use all kinds of awesome spells, and nobody will be able to beat me." Her gloating was noticeable in the tone of her voice and in her attitude.
"I hope you're ready for it," Tiffany interjected. "Not many fifteen year old girls can just walk into a Leray training facility and drill through the work like Mowdown." She referenced a unique magical ability for the civilian population. Civilians don't normally have the right to use Leray magic in any form, except for a few exceptional powers like the skill known as Mowdown, which uses light Leray magical damage in the form of physical floor based cuts to mow the lawn in a quick and effective way. Then there was the obvious magical invocation of electrical energy used to create power for a generator. Such simple or silly skills existed in all kinds of forms, but Dakota's training academy was going to be teaching the type of magic that people don't normally get access to; the power to cause actual harm and damage on other individuals. Despite Leray battles becoming a popular sport centuries ago, learning that kind of magic bears a big responsibility that most people tend to forget sometimes.
Jane silently resented being called fifteen. This month is the end of January, and in the middle of March, she will turn sixteen years old. Might as well round upwards.
"I'm sure she'll be fine honey," Smith dismissed. It was a big deal for their daughter to sign up for a Leray training facility by any regard, let alone try to make an entire career out of Leray magic. It defiantly differed from their family's normal historical accomplishments, though not in a way that he viewed to be shameful. Jane has always been like this. Ever since Jane was just a small child, she became obsessed and fallen in love with the very idea of Leray magical powers like the ones seen in those action packed movies. It was amazing to see her still so energetic about the whole thing so many years later. Though mildly dangerous as it may be, it was easy to tell that Jane was overly passionate about this. As far as anyone knew, Leray magic may cause harm, but is still non-lethal. However, there was the matter of the money involvement too.
The inspection is what people go through when entering a training facility for screening. Inspectors there ask entries a series of questions, mostly of mental preparation to see which of those are best suited for learning the arts of Leray magic. Then there is a physical test on top of that, one that evaluates the current skill level of those trying to enter. Jane doesn't even know how to use Radial Stars yet, but most people can't even learn that before becoming adults. If they're lucky, the facilities offer discounts on the entry fees and classes that must be paid for, rarely do they offer potential students a completely free scholarship opportunity. Everyone who comes out of the inspection as approvable gets an invite with the price notice on the same paper. Jane was holding that paper right now. "How much did they give you off?"
Confused, Jane slowly sat in the chair, contemplating the meaning of her dad's question.
Smith sighed with stress, standing up to take the paper Jane set down and read it in his face. "Discount sweetie. They're supposed to give you some sort of payment plan if you've been approved. You were supposed to talk them into that..."
"Smith!" Tiffany barked. His voice had been quickly exceeding that aggressive tone of his. "Don't!"
Dad seemed to conform immediately, but he wasn't near done with the subject. Instead, he turned the paper to Tiffany's eyes to argue with her, since Jane didn't know any better. "See how this only states three percent off for three entire years? There's no way we can afford this on our current income. They cheated the discount just like I thought they would!"
Tiffany exhaled softly, relieved that Smith actually has no intention of forcing Jane into this, which is what it sounded like a second ago. He's just mad about the failed discount, but they can't really do that to the Venn family, can they? "What about passive..."
Jane's expression changed quickly to a horrified look of confusion, as her parents were quietly whispering amongst themselves. She didn't know that going to Leray School could be so expensive. If they really couldn't afford for her to go, then that means she would never-ever become a Leray master. She shook her head. Jane couldn't fathom the thought that her dreams could so easily be shot down over a financial issue.
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Chapter Theme Shift: Edge of Darkness ~ Two Worlds 2 OST
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The sound of the front door opening again interrupted Mr. and Ms. Venn. By the time she walked through the door, the atmosphere around the family once again changed. Smith already seemed to have tensed up in just one second of time, deviating from the earlier conversation to address his other daughter, only two years older than Jane. "Where have you been Iya? You're two hours late again."
Iona is Jane's older sister, who went by the short name of Iya with her family. Her hair was dyed a very dark blond that could almost be considered a shade of black when damp, a style change she took up to bring out the amber glow in her eyes, and right now, she was rocking a dark T-shirt with tight skinny jeans. Iona was not like Jane in the slightest. Her attitude spoke the loudest of volumes for her character. There was a good reason why dad was already getting upset with her, not even a second before steeping back into her home. "So! It's not like I missed anything. This place is boring anyway as always, and I can stay out for however long I want."
"Iya," her dad started.
"I'll be in my room," she declared. Iya ignored the tensions, hopping straight up the stairs while pulling out her compact communicator. The device was a developmental mobile communication device, allowing two people each with one to send textual data only at the space of a few hundred meters, or more if there weren't so many trees around here to diffract the signals. The machine was in competition with another device known as cell phones, but Iona was hooked on either one.
Smith sighed again, knowing he was already defeated a while ago. Ever since Iya got her new expensive toy, she's been doing nothing lately, other than never being home and hanging out with her so-called friends. He knew better! Iona had to be hanging out with more vile teenagers, perhaps only boys her age. She has that attitude on her, only one more advanced than the typical kind. Iya just isn't controllable anymore, which is why he left Tiffany to handle that more often than himself. Not long ago, Iya has lost almost all of her previous manners and respect for the family. In contrast, Jane was easy, never talking back, never disobeying orders, nor disrespecting anybody. She didn't even have a boyfriend yet as far as Smith could tell. School may change that, but... Oh right! The finance plan!
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Anyway," Smith continued. "There's no easy way to make this happen. I think the best thing we can do right now is wait it out until we've saved a bit more."
"What are you talking about?" Jane probed.
Her mother gave Jane the same disappointed look, one that reflected Jane's fear. "Honey..." Tiffany paused, afraid of saying this in the wrong way, but it wasn't easy to tell her excited daughter that school still isn't even a possibility yet. Jane had been looking forward to this for a long time, and last week when she was invited to be evaluated, Jane got her hopes so high so fast. "We still can't afford to pay off the school's debt should we enroll you there. We have to save more until then. I'm sorry."
"But you guys promised! You said this year if I get approved, I can go in!"
"We said maybe you could go in," Smith corrected.
That didn't help calm her down at all. "You both lied to me!" Jane shouted. "Thanks to you, I'll never become a Leray fighter!" She stood back up, forcing the chair to slide behind her violently. Jane felt so frustrated, her entire head began pounding instantly. All of that hard work was for nothing!
"Okay look honey," dad eased. Jane appeared as if she might explode into a frenzy of rage, but his voice prolonged her last resorting patience. "We're thinking of different ways to save for next year. Now you don't know much about Leray magic yet, making the physical exam that much harder for you, but there might be a way to change that."
Tiffany turned to face her husband. "What are you talking about?"
Smith turned back to her, mirroring her concern while confusing Jane in silence. "You don't think I've done my research on Dakota? It's the cheapest school we have around here, believe it or not, but I seemed to have stumbled upon some interesting news. There is an old Leray teacher from Junon coming here to Fronas for about six months or so. People say that he can train just about anyone in physical combat and self-defense classes for six credits a month per person. It's not about Leray magic, but if Jane were to take such a class this year, it might help her do better on the next inspection, thus giving us a massive discount. As far as I can see, it's the best hope we have of affording her class next year."
Her mother glanced at Jane, who seemed to be confused, still a little upset looking. She then focused on Smith again, hoping to break down that explanation further. "So you want to train her for self-defense? I don't know if that makes much sense, and if we're paying six a month, how can be put away savings for next year? With your job being slow these days..."
"Forget that job," Smith denied with hand signals. "I think I can do better. I got an offer to help stock the store in Blue Port. It doesn't start out with much now, but if I perform well, I'll be moved up a few positions that are currently vacant. I'll then be moving things from Blue Port and Gross, making my salary much better than it is today."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I mean, isn't that a good idea?" she pondered.
Dad shook his head, reluctant to agree. "I would be working almost all day, six days a week even after promotions I'm told. It means I won't be around as often."
Tiffany didn't know what to say, shocked by the same predicament, but it didn't take long to think about the considerations. With more money into this family, Jane would get to go to school next year with additional training in physical close combat defense, while the northern towns would prosper a little more. On the downside, he'll almost never be around. Why didn't he discuss this with her sooner? Smith always does this! It's not like Tiffany needed him that much for maintaining the house, or just being here for the family, for Jane anyway. But still...
"I know its sudden news," Smith deterred. "That's why I sat on it for a day or two. We make decisions like that together, you hear?"
So he did plan on telling her? Oh, what a fine mess this is! Tiffany nodded after brief moment in response to her husband, then turned to Jane to see what she wanted. After all, most of this struggle is for her anyway. This very decision, it determines the fate of Jane Venn's future. She's loved Leray magic for so long now, and somehow that support has not died with her. It isn't fair to deny her that future, even weighing the hardships it will cause. Jane better want this with every fiber of her being. "Sweetie? I think we can get you in next year, with a pre-class entry this year. Would you like that?"
Jane seemed calmer, but in truth she was having trouble understanding the situation entirely. It sounded a lot like they were making stronger plans to bring Jane into school by next January, but she couldn't be sure. And whatever this self-defense class thing is, it sounded like fun. "You promise?"
Smith chuckled, sweeping up to Jane with his hand open in front of her. He closed his hand, except for his pinky finger. "I pinky swear."
Tiffany waited for Jane to pinky shake on it, but the trouble already sank in. Jane wasn't as oblivious as an average fifteen year old girl. She must know what they were talking about to some extent, enough to realize that everyone will be seeing much less of Jane's father. She always was bright in her finest moments. And I'm sure Iya will be thrilled. She'll have to be watched even more closely than ever. Jane made the finger shake in front of them, sealing that promise again.
Smith looked into Jane's green eyes, still so full of excitement and potential. "The man's name is Master Boncho. He'll have assistance with the setup from Mr. Mire. We want you to train with him on weekends. It's not officially school, but it still counts towards your evaluation, and it will impress them much further if you can learn their skills. Understand?"
"Okay?" Jane replied.
"He won't be teaching you Leray magic just yet. First, you have to get your body into fit shape. You'll be learning other cool things you can do without even learning magic, but it's only for this year. Next year, I swear, it will help you get in Dakota and excel above the others." And if it doesn't, Smith will just have a word with the headmaster there, his style.
"But," Jane argued. "If you have to be fit to get in Dakota, why aren't the others doing that?"
"A few of them are actually," he explained. "Look at it this way. You do this training this year right? And that training will carry over to your Leray classes next year. The other kids won't have this previous training you're about to have; that advantage that you will then carry. Only a few are going to be training with Mire and Boncho alongside you, so it's still a pristine experience. The difference will happen then, you'll automatically become better than the other students, instead of passively learning alongside them. Think of it like learning acceleration. You're getting more training than the other kids will get, but only you will know about it, see?"
Jane nodded yes, but she didn't seem so sure she understood what that meant.
"You're still hung up on that?" The voice belonged to Iona, who had been walking down the stairs long enough to hear that end of the conversation. Her tone was already messy. She made it sound as if it was an embarrassing thing for Jane to still be interested in Leray magic at all.
"Nope," dad exhaled. "I think we got everything put together. Jane will be entering school next year, but doing some pre-training this year."
Iona huffed out a breath, silently trying to scold Jane's decision as she shifted towards the fridge for snacks, but Smith caught on, enough to intervene.
Iya would be like this, but so what if she doesn't care for Leray magic? The point is that Jane cares about it deeply. The least Iya could do is show some support for her younger sister. "And what's so wrong with that?" he stuck.
Iya finally lifted her head up for a moment, putting her hands on her hips. "Leray magic is just for kids. You know, for those who haven't grown up yet?" It's nothing but a waste of time. Ever since Jane got hooked onto the idea, suddenly, it's all the entire family talks about. Does the world really fuel itself on magic that much?
"Oh is it," Smith raised his voice. His wife wanted him to calm down already, but he ignored that visual signal. "Because I hear people can make careers out of fighting through magic. And as far as I can tell, Jane has already accomplished more than you have, in less the time."
Jane looked away from them, too disturbed to even look at Iya right now. She and Iya used to play together as kids, until one day she just wanted to grow up and hang out with all the cool people. Jane didn't hate her sister for that. She hated her sister for mocking Leray magic even once. It's just wrong to call such special abilities like that a waste of time, but Jane saved her breath for today. Her dad was taking care of it right now, if it would even work this time.
As intimidating as that might have sounded, Iya knew that Smith was just trying to anger her. It won't work tonight. "Whatever. I'm not in the mood to hang out with the lame squad today. I'm going—"
"Going where?" Smith caught on to that blunt statement before Iya could try to finish it, mostly because it was hardly the first time she was doing this.
She gave a piercing stare at her father, trying to show that nothing in the world could stop her. "Out." She paused for a moment, already able to predict more stupid questions about where she would be, and so on. Iya then shut the fridge aggressively without taking anything from it, her feet heading for the door beyond the connecting dining room.
Smith just nodded sarcastically. "And did you clean your room like we asked you to? All of your assigned research is up to date?"
"Clean it when I get back," she replied.
"Yeah, well when you do, which will be earlier than ten tonight, we need to have a talk about your future young ma'am. Since you don't like magic so much, that doesn't mean you can just traught around with no aim in the world."
"Young ma'am? I'm sixteen years old dad, not some fucking kid!"
"Whoa!" "Okay!" Both her parents were already at their breaking point with her, but Iya wasn't about to stay and see where it went either. Cursing in front of them was hardly a new thing either; that started about six months ago.
She pulled out her communicator again, and opened the front door to leave. "I'll be back when you all have something good going on for once." With that, Iona slammed the door behind her.
Smith could already feel his blood pressure rising through the roof, exhaling violently and putting his arms down to try and chill out. He gave Tiffany a brief look of defeat, but she didn't have anything to say about it either. "Where did I go wrong with her?" Is Iona actually ashamed that this is a family of Leray magic? If that were true, it wouldn't make any sense.
Jane just pretended to look at the ground. Iya was always like this now and then, talking back, using foul language, and often ducking her daily chores, which goes double when they try to punish her or ground her. Because that's worked so well in the past... Jane wondered what she meant by those words though. When something good is going on? Did Iona mean something simple, like a party with her friends? Or was it a symbol of something else? Jane could not figure out what exactly Iya had against Leray magic, or more specifically this entire family. She could not recall ever doing anything mean to Iya, or anything that would upset her. Sometimes Jane would be asked by her sister to break some rules, or do something she isn't supposed to. Jane would always refuse though, putting Iya in the worst of moods. What is she up to outside today anyway? What does she go out to do? That would be anyone's wild guess.
Tiffany just ignored the situation for now, returning her attention to Jane. "You know I love you right?" She waited for Jane to nod, too exhausted now to verbally reply. "We're gonna get you into Dakota, one way or another. You don't have to worry about the if. Just worry about the when, which will be next year. Use that time to get good at practice, okay?"
"Okay," Jane answered. It was moments like these, moments where everyone would be in some sort of stressful mode that reminded Jane of the earlier days. She graduated from general school about a year ago, the school that teaches children from ages four to thirteen about normal academics. It's a combination of elementary and high school placed together. After that - kids are done, ready to be sent out into the world to find work. The idea is preparation for Leray academies, but not everybody goes that route. Jane was particularly determinate to reflect more on the days where there wasn't so much stress, but that wasn't so easy. Her grandfather died when she was only three, sending this family closer to poverty since then, with nothing left in the will by coincidence of accidents.
Fronas is just like that though. It's a new town, but one that is so small, there is hardly any opportunity for income here. Everyone living in Fronas is just getting by or making ends meets, most of which contain families with jobs in Blue Port Town or kids that officially live in Gross City. With the construction of the Dakota academy complete ten years ago, it was supposed to be a means of attracting more people and allowing the town to grow bigger financially. The impact was minimal, barely effective in doing any of that, but Jane had other things to worry about. She needs to get into the Dakota academy in order to learn Leray magic and fulfill her dream, but she always wondered what such a facility would be like. Would it match the same thing as her other school? Would the people there be friendly or at least interesting?
It was another unknown. Jane had great grades and conduct in general school, which is supposedly what made her lose the friends she had. Now days, the girls were jealous of her success or her looks, and treated her poorly long after forming relationships. Does that happen to everyone? Jane thought. Why do people like Iya make so many friends, while people like me who try so hard make so few?