The morning drifted quietly away. As Lanthim sat in class listening to the instructor. Attempt to help her students understand the use of magic in everyday situations. A useless exercise in his own case. With his daily life up until now full of magic. Being told that there were things he could not do with magic felt incredibly restrictive.
"Mana Manipulation as you all should know. Is the foundation of our society, as such it is important to understand. The reasons why we as citizens in this country must not use our magic arbitrary reasons unless absolutely necessary." [Instructor Falindra]
Looking in Lanthim's direction as she read from her source materials. The glance she gave him could have killed. If it had any real power behind it.
With a weary smile on his face, Lanthim could understand the instructor's position. Having a new student just up and use magic without incantation was not something that happened every day.
"The ability to manipulate mana has for many millennia. Been the measure, by which status and power moved individuals up and down the social ladder."
Continuing on, this lecture began to sound more and more like an attack on his position in his own clan. Being the only known male able to manipulate mana. Did not give one much in the way of influence. His position was tentative at best, with marriage to two dragons. Lifting him in prominence amongst that race.
His value within human society was hurt because of this. Being married was not the problem. It would be simple to put together a second marriage. The issue came from him taking very quickly two wives. Doing so had defeated any opportunity for his grandmother to arrange an unwanted marriage for him.
Adding into that mix the fact that no self-respecting young woman. Would desire to marry someone who could threaten her own chances for advancement. All this put Lanthim firmly at the bottom of the clan hierarchy. That did not bother him in the slightest, having lived outside of his clan's influence. For so many years, not forgetting his continuing magical studies. Lanthim did not attach himself to the great clan of Strentolos.
As the lecture continued Lanthim found himself looking out the window next to him. Making sure to pay enough attention to the instructor. He looked out over the campus.
'Two years here. How will I escape the boredom?'
Sitting through a lecture on magic was not something that would captivate him. From what he had studied in the great Library of Denymiel within the forest of Legrcstim. Everything he was learning now seemed like illiterate scribble.
'Sigh, if only I could skip all of these skill training classes.'
Sitting bored out of his mind Lanthim felt relieved as the lunch bell rang out.
"Books away everyone, remember that practical magic training will be at field four with class 2-A today. Please try not to embarrass yourselves." [Instructor Falindra]
Sounding like a disappointed parent that expected the worst to happen regardless of what she said. The class was left to either eat in the classroom or go elsewhere.
"Ah, we have to go spar with those insanely strong geniuses again."
Looking about him Lanthim began to notice that the entire class. Seemed to dread this training exercise with an almost disturbed passion.
" I don't see what is so bad about practical training with those who are in the same years as us." [Lanthim]
Expressions of surprise filled the faces of everyone in the classroom.
"Everyone this is Lanthim's first day remember." [Miss Natrie]
"You are right Miela. Making this explanation quick, class 2-A is made up of mostly over-achievers and powerful witches. Our class, on the other hand, is made up of the school oddballs."
The more Lanthim heard the more he liked the situation.
'I can work with this. May take some time but I can definitely build something interesting out of this lot.'
Lanthim had always found individuals that were isolated by society. To be the best kind of material when building something new. With a smile on his face on knock could be heard at the door. Standing to wait for him was Leinea looking most displeased.
"The others are already eating get your things." [Leinea]
Collecting his lunch Lanthim made his way to the door. When a hand grabbed his shoulder from behind. One of the young men in his class named Carlodre Deljun had moved from the back of the class to where lanthim was standing with incredible swiftness.
"How do you now Leinea Nyrotral from class 2-A?" [Carlodre]
Looking at each other with raised tension neither moved.
"For you not to know that we are married is somewhat of an insult but I will let it slide for now. That being said do not think that I will hold back when it comes to combat." [Lanthim]
Shrugging off Carlodre's hand Lanthim moved down the corridor towards where Leinea had stopped to wait for him.
"We shall see just what you can do Lanthim Frenost." [Carlodre]
Academy East Campus Court Yard
"Well, brother how was your first class." [Aldain]
Almost laughing as he asked Aldain knew how much his elder brother would have suffered in such a class. He himself being an avid practitioner of everything. The masters Lanthim had sent to teach him and Melryn. Made listing to the garbage they taught here feel like making one cry.
"It was heart wrenchingly boring. But small sacrifices reap great rewards in the end." [Lanthim]
"HAHA! yes true." [Melryn]
Everyone turned to look at Melryn who was in his usual state of being surrounded.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"You will marry well when you come of age Melryn just make sure not to be too popular and do something stupid before then." [Syrelia]
Shocked by what the youngest among them said, Lanthim shrugged with a smile.
"Well, If Syrelia says that it might be best to have your training increased." [Lanthim]
"No brother anything but that I am already dying under the current training program." [Melryn]
watching his younger brother beg for no more training was amusing. However, it would have to be done. Both of his brothers would be entering the forest for the first time. When classes let out for the six-month winter break.
While it could be seen as a fun joke now. Things naturally had to move with their proper course.
"I hear that our classes will have practical training after lunch Leinea." [Lanthim]
"Yes, I hope your classmate won't make this experience to traumatic for you." [Leinea]
Turning to look at his wife Lanthim could see that she was confident in her ability's. That being the case in all likelihood he would have himself an interesting match.
Training Field #4
Examining the field as a whole the size was not that grand. Aside from it being and outdoor venue the area of combat was only sixty yards.
"How are we to practice magic in such a small space?" [Lanthim]
"Simple, this training is more of a game then actual combat. Both classes separate to different sides of the field with each having their own flag." [Miela]
'Oh great, so basically an extreme version of capture the flag then this will be interesting.'
Noticing his lack of focus Miela stopped her explanation. With an annoyed look on her face.
"So carrying on from where you rudely ignored me. Both classes have their flag they can place it anywhere between the center line. After that, the main goal is to capture the flag or capture the other class using this." [Miela]
With a cruel smile, Miela handed Lanthim a staff. Like the one she and the rest of the class had.
"The only way to capture or stop someone from taking the flag is to use this staff. Basically, any magic other then what is use by the staff is prohibited. Oh, and since everyone has defensive barriers around their bodies you will have to crash through before a capture is called." [Miela]
'My god this girl talks way to much.'
Holding the staff in his hand Lanthim began to siphon mana into it.
'This is child's play for me pity I would have liked a challenge.'
Twirling the staff in his left hand he could sense Leinea on the other side of the field ready to go. From where he was standing it was easy to admire the design used by the academy from training suits. While not extremely tight the comfort given in movement was excellent. Adding an extra boost to his wife's already desirable figure and the package was intriguing.
Standing to one side of the field an instructor raised her arm signaling for everyone to ready.
'The first strike will seal this match.'
As the instructors hand came down Lanthim who required no incantation launched forward. From his front, a series of fire and earth strikes. That seemed to have been preplanned hit, where he, had been previously standing. Moving with increased speed Lanthim launched his first spell. Supplying the staff with more mana the orb atop gave off an intense white glow.
Above the orb fire began to form. As he had done before in class he had formed it into a sphere. Continuing to supply mana the sphere slowly began to shrink condensing the matter inside further and further. Continuing forward still as attacks came in and harmlessly bounced off his barrier Lanthim reached the flag.
Reaching to grab it he was struck by an incredibly powerful water spell that pushed him back almost to where he had come. The barrier Lanthim had created himself trembled under the strain of this spell nearly breaking.
'Wow, first order barrier magic is absolute trash'
Turning his attention to his front Lanthim could see Leinea pointing her staff in his direction with another spell ready to go. Examining his team who were by now awestruck by his action had not yet any of their numbers.
Holding his staff to the sky the tiny orb of fire lifted away into the sky just above the training field.
As he did so Leinea launched her spell. A large column of water shot out of her staff at frightening speed. With no hesitation, Lanthim thrust his own staff into the ground instantly creating a wall of earth and steel.
The flawless action shocked all present even Leinea.
'That should have worked my follow up strike was well timed to his being pushed back.'
Near panic, Leinea began a third incantation hoping that she had time.
However as she did so Leinea felt something she had not before a strong powerful sensation.
[Bang]
'What was that?'
Looking towards the wall Leinea saw what looked like large amounts of dust on the other side. The entire class watched as well. Moments passed with the wall Lanthim had created shrunk back into the ground. Behind stood Lanthim Holding a piece of cloth in his hand.
"Wait that isn't."
Everyone in Leinea's class in unison turned. To where their flag should have been. To their surprise and dismay, the flag was gone.
"This training exercise is over class 2-C wins."
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Sorry guys there was a problem when I posted the chapter. I have reposted so everything should be fine now