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<01/14/1972 ~ 15:25 | Dakota Training Academy, Fronas, Gulop Region, Sprawn Valley>
"Now listen up. I have one more thing to say." Eliza got the attention of the class again. Not much time passed since handing out everybody's licenses. Many were already eager to leave, despite having to wait a full day before using that license for activation. Jane and everybody else were listening closely though. "You all know now that today is also the last day of your enrollment here at the Dakota academy. When you walk out of here today, take pride in knowing that you've graduated from the basic level of this facility. And make sure that you strategize in life just as well as you do in battle."
Jane just finished an exciting thrill about getting her license, and got her friends to agree to a graduation party at her house, but even she needed to ask Eliza a few last minute things. "Ms. Eliza?"
Eliza caught Jane's eye quickly, but was stunned to see how suddenly different she was. It was a no-brainer to imagine that getting her license would cheer Jane up, but there was defiantly something different about her now. How Jane's eyes sparkled with a fiery glow of pure determination! Jane was like this at times, but seeing it all over again after she fell ill was beyond relieving for Eliza to see, and it seemed that her excitement has already spread to her friends nearby. Eliza simply waited in silence for Jane to ask her anything, but it was just amazing to see how much Jane had changed over the course of this morning, in just ten minutes of time.
"Thank you." Jane gave a peaceful bow to her teacher, appreciating all of the hard work they've done together. Jane never personally trained much with her teacher this time, but Eliza was still a big help. Jane learned so much this year all thanks to her. Eliza didn't hold anything back; she pushed Jane even harder after realizing that she was over-reaching for better challenges, and it worked out for the best.
Eliza nodded with a smile. "I think someday, you will shine the brightest Jane." With a sincere poetic response of encouragement, Eliza returned her attention to the class. There were a few last minute details that everybody should know, but it pays to be prepared just in case they don't know. "Remember! When you want to challenge someone to a battle, ask first if they have a Leray license, and make sure it does not get in the way of their work schedule. Also, know that your credit count while betting can't go below the cap of 250 unless both sides agree. Use the credits that you've earned in the Leray shops to upgrade your weapons and armor. Keep up with medical orbs and other Leray related items. And always set some aside for something to eat, shelter to use."
Taylor was enjoying Eliza's last minute lecture. It was so like her to have one every day, even on the last day of the year. Taylor was sure that it was already February, but what day was it really? She hadn't been able to keep track of time ever since they fell off of the Tidal Max cruise ship. All of her personal belongings were still in their cabin, same with Danny's personal belongings. What Taylor really needed was a calendar.
"Now every one of you have a great time. Thank you for making this semester excellent." Eliza proceeded to thank everybody again. The bell was supposed to ring any minute, though half the class was already gone. As soon as the licenses were received, everybody was simply allowed to walk out of school today. There wasn't anything left to do. Of course, the other classes on different semester time frames were the exception, most of which are still training in the available dark rooms.
"Hold on just a sec," Danny told Taylor. After turning around to his teacher, he handed her the small miniature guidebook in his hands. "Eliza, here you go. You said I could only barrow it since you have an upgraded one on order."
Eliza remembered what that was all about, and accepted the outdated guidebook from Danny. The guidebooks are supposed to be pocket books for Leray wielders just starting out, but Danny was particularly interested in learning all about the skills and spells under a general format, even if he didn't know of them yet. "That's right," she spoke. "The new set has already come through." Eliza pulled one of the new pocket books out from her container in the large desk behind her. She set it there as a reminder to update Danny's, but it must not have reminded her as well as she hoped earlier. After swapping the books with Danny, she explained the subtle differences. "It's still a small size, but contains many more spells and their descriptions all in here. Take this one for your journey."
Danny was almost speechless. The new guidebook was really impressive and well done. Organization was the biggest and most noticeable difference, but there were sections for pictures related to different types of glyphrings and auras too, all just by skimming the thing. He accepted the book by closing it into his own hands, thanking Eliza for the gift. "Thanks Eliza. I can really use this."
Jane knew it would be a little bit longer before she was going to head on back to her place with Danny and Taylor, and she didn't mind either. Still savoring the moment of obtaining her Leray license, it was going to be a great night as well.
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Chapter Theme Shift: Ellenier/Greendale ~ Serious Sam 2 OST
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<01/16/1972 ~ 11:22 | Fronas, Gulop Region, Sprawn Valley>
That Friday came and went rather quickly, but it happened because of how much fun the three of them all had that night. Jane took the matter well into her own hands, suddenly becoming responsible overnight. She would have to be, traveling all over the country and battling people left and right while getting stronger with the weight of Danny and Taylor on her back. Jane tried to declare them as extra baggage, but she was only joking earlier. Unfortunately, neither Danny nor Taylor thought it was funny.
So, the days passed right into Sunday. Jane officially declared she was going to leave on Monday, but changed her mind at the last second and decided to leave earlier. This however furthered the need for her parents to have that expected discussion with her, which Danny and Taylor had to be present for due to the circumstances.
"I can't believe it's already that time," Smith chased. "Jane is already grown up and ready for the world. But Jane? Are you still certain that you want to leave Fronas?"
"You know it's only temporary dad." Jane had this talk before. Her parents didn't want to see their only daughter go out into the world, but it has always been Jane's decision and her choice. She has proven that to the both of them. Technically, Jane wasn't an only child, but with how often Iona has shown herself lately, most would believe Jane was without siblings.
"But does it have to be today deer?" Tiffany was in agreement, unable to let go of this moment, even though she knew it would come by one day. Jane had trained and leveled so quickly, and it was unbelievable to see how fast the time flew by this month.
"Well, you know Jane." Danny blurted the obvious, certain for now that there wasn't anything he could say incorrectly. "She has a license now, which means she won't sit still for very long."
Smith laughed momentarily in agreement with the boy's statement. "I suppose she won't. But you two are going with Jane on her journey, which is something that I never thought would happen between any of Jane's friends."
He does make an interesting point. Danny knew that a big part of the reason he was joining up with Jane was mostly to buy some more time. Jane will be heading for Junon for sure, but not in a hurry. With as many battles as she plans on having, they may be stuck in the Gulop sector for half a year!
"I don't mean to add any pressure to you two, but I hope you won't mind looking after Jane? We don't want her to get into any trouble."
What did he mean by that? "Father!" Jane knew she was too late to stop that. Her dad just made it sound like she was accident prone and weak for some reason. "You know I can take after myself."
Danny agreed with Mr. Venn only by paraphrasing his remark. "What Smith means is that you don't have to always watch your back anymore. Even if you think we're not much protection now, I think you'll be surprised when I'm ready to challenge and beat you in a battle, Jane."
"Tch! As if!" The atmosphere was as calm as ever, even though Iona was supposed to have come home last night, and again this afternoon. Yet somehow, she was in touch leaving notes in the house when no one was looking, so there was at least proof of her being alive. Still... She could have come here to celebrate this moment for her. Instead, she would rather hang out with those—
"Anyway," Danny continued. "We'll all be fine. Jane will check in with you once in a while, and I'll be checking in with my folks too."
"Listen Danny." Smith swallowed, feeling pressure as it was difficult to admit in the beginning. Danny wasn't Jane's type, so that was defiantly a relief. Still, that wasn't the point. "I think we are all lucky that you and your friend Taylor came into town. Jane has never had friends like either of you, and I'm quite proud to see that you've taken a strong interest in our land's customs. You don't realize it yet, but just by being here, you've helped Jane quite a lot, being partial rivals and all. And Jane, I hope you treat your friends with respect just as they've done onto you."
"Of course." Jane didn't know what else to say. After all that happened last week, she lied to them both about certain information regarding the unknown spell bomb she used on herself. Because of that, she broke their very trust, but here they were right now, still willing to go all the way to Junon with her. It's more than just honorable...
"Blue Port is our next stop," Taylor added. "So we'll be going soon before it gets too late in the day." It was as early as ever since Jane doesn't sleep, but Taylor was also getting bored already. After all, they were only traveling to Blue Port today; that was the plan anyway. It's not as exciting as having an extended graduation party.
Already being packed up and ready to go, Danny and Taylor agreed to take care of the rest of the situation on behalf of Jane's family. Before trying to leave, Jane's mother deposited about 3000 additional credits onto Jane's license, telling her to save up and buy well. It was an awesome gesture, the perfect way to get started. Jane and her friends said their usual goodbyes as they left through the front door, ready to start the road trip.
Jane claimed she was not going to battle today, just head over to Blue Port Town first and get settled in there. Her long-term plan of travel was to hit every major town and city in all of Sprawn Valley, and challenge people from those places. Then, if that turns out to be enough training for the League of Elites, Jane would head to Eldora and challenge the champion there. It sounded simple, but Sprawn Valley is a big country too by the way. Still, it would give Danny and Taylor plenty of opportunity to plan for their visit to the airport in Junon. Though neither one of them were actually sure of what city or place that airport was in. Jane is in charge of the map anyway, and since she still doesn't know that there is someone likely to come and try to pick them up later on, it was best in Danny's opinion not to tell her.
Obviously, there was no need to say farewell to Kain or Bella. Danny already took care of that Saturday morning. While Taylor and Jane were sleeping in further that day, he woke early and went out to walk the town. As luck would have it, Danny ran into Kain. Naturally, it would have meant nothing, but Kain is one of the nosiest people around. On top of that, Danny sure wasn't blending in that well with the town since he was associated with Jane Venn, but the thoughts from then lingered in his head...
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"So, I hear you and Tay are going to leave alongside of Jane." Kain was only talking to Danny to kill time, not particularly interested in any topic. But after finding Danny, Kain knew that there were a few things that had to be settled.
How would he even know about that? Danny knew it was unlikely for Jane to run around screaming to the town that she was going to leave Fronas and challenge a bunch of people in various places around the nation. So how does Kain know any of this? People wonder why he has that creepy vibe. "That is the plan." In his silence, Danny wondered if Kain would just leave him alone. He didn't hate the guy after all that has happened, but Kain could very well be a bad luck charm.
Kain sighed peacefully. "I guess that's as good as any method to travel to Junon. With Jane on your team, I don't think you'll run into any trouble."
Danny folded his arms and gave Kain a dense glare from the side of his eyes, not facing the guy directly. "Are we to expect some kind of malevolent force of evil waiting to snatch us up or something? What could possibly go wrong in a country where people don't die?" Danny was sarcastic at the last part of his remark, but Kain ignored it.
"I will say the danger level is minimal..." Knowing he had Danny's attention on the count that Kain labeled the level as minimal instead of non-existent, he recalled a moment of regret. "Listen. I think I should say something about the day after you first arrived in Fronas."
Facing Kain directly, Danny asked, "Now you're being all sentimental? If I do recall correctly, you pushed, in the most unusual way to try and enroll us into Dakota. Why would you try so hard to make us learn magic knowing we were instructed not to?"
"That's exactly the concept I wanted to bring up with you. But in case I don't have time for breakfast, I'll just give you the short version."
Next time just do that every time! Danny wished his thoughts could project and transform into demands of facts.
"I think we've all now noticed that strange things have been happening around Sprawn Valley lately. And while the unusual activity is most apparent in the Gulop region, having a level of protection to defend yourselves against anything is a bit more crucial for your ability to make it to Junon in the first place." Kain wasn't expecting it, but with that lone statement, Danny's expression reset with his eyes opened wider. "I have no problem if you hate magic even without knowing a thing. It can after all be used by criminals to do dangerous things, even with security agents put into place. We've both seen living proof of that now, and I was unwise earlier to think that I was capable of being invincible while protecting an entire town."
"Kain." Danny wanted him to just stop talking. It wasn't annoying right now. He was too apologetic; it isn't like him... Was Kain this way the entire time?
"I did have an agenda to put the two of you into that school, specifically to familiarize you both with basic level magic. I admit it!"
Danny knew Kain tried to execute this agenda before, but why admit that now of all times? What really is his point? If he knew that magic was dangerous, why involve him? Why involve Taylor?
"But it's not the magic of the world that is dangerous Danny. The people who use that magic can create wonderful spectacles, or disastrous consequences. Magic can create great things, and it can also destroy. While I never really had any fear of you running into any potentially dangerous hostile people on your way to Junon, I still didn't want to take that chance, the chance I could be wrong."
Now he won't stop talking. Danny wanted to interject, but Kain was going to keep speaking until he got his point across.
"You and Taylor were both going to walk all the way through an entire nation full of magic wielding people, untrained, unarmed, and unprotected. And option B was to equip you both with the ability to defend yourself against the most basic level of problems should the need ever arise. That is why I pushed so hard to get you to learn magic."
"Kain..." It was at this moment that Danny realized why Kain did what he did to force them into a school he didn't want any part of. Kain wasn't too proud of magic. He knew it had its dangers! And yet, he wouldn't accept the possibility of having Danny or Taylor walk out into the world where there might be crazies. Standing in this field now, Danny was beside himself with guilt, guilt of misassociation.
"I cannot go with you, and therefore cannot promise any safety. If I were seeing you off two months ago, I wouldn't have even bothered, but I think something is happening around Fronas now. We're still investigating with no new leads, but if there were thieves running around capable of getting the best of me and Bella, it can't be good to go anywhere without some sort of backup. And what better candidate than Jane Venn? At least that is something I cannot take credit for. Your friendship with her is not something I would have expected this year."
"So then you knew?" Danny wanted to punch Kain for lying to him about it before, even if he had every intention of protecting them at the same time.
"I knew magic could be used to harm, specifically if transformed into dark magic, but I never thought I would have to explain it to you. You don't understand how peaceful Sprawn Valley has been for the last several decades. But now that I have done something useful, I have full confidence that you and Taylor can reach Junon without so much as a bump in the road."
There was a lasting silence. Danny and Kain both had to think that day back over again. "You know what Kain? I guess it did work out for the best." Magic wasn't all that bad. That was the conclusion Danny had arrived at recently while in school, but here to challenge that again was Kain's shadow. "Besides, you're lucky my parents didn't come all the way down here. If they found out you were paying for our classes, I think fighting a criminal would suddenly be the least of your worries."
Were Danny's parents really that scary? That guy on the phone didn't sound all bent out of shape, but that could have been a distant relative.
"I will say this though," Danny prepared. After everything Kain did to him and Taylor, somehow it worked out better than he ever could have hoped. If he and Taylor went to Junon much earlier... "Despite how wrong you were for going behind our backs for placing that burden on us both, I did learn something out of this. Right now, Taylor and I are going to take our time to reach Junon, even if Jane wants to take forever. And that's the other good thing that came of it. If I would have refused your offer to take part in that school, Jane and I would never be friends in the first place."
"You seem quite fond of her," Kain surmised.
Danny nodded in denial. "Jane is a hassle, and she isn't my type either, but Taylor has certainly opened up to her. If Taylor wants to hang out with Jane that badly, then I can't say this is all for the worst. If she's happy..." Danny didn't bother finishing his sentence, sure enough that he made his point clear.
Interesting. Kain initially thought that Danny might have had a crush on Jane by now, being close to the same age, but he forgot to consider that Taylor was a close age fit as well. Since he seems to care much more about Taylor's happiness than his own, perhaps these two are a lively compatible pair. He dared not say it out loud though. Jane will probably take care of that anyway. "I am sorry for putting you through magic that you tried so hard to avoid in the first place."
"It's fine Kain. Really!" Danny was as serious as he could be. Kain wasn't the man he thought he was. "After all, everyone here uses magic for two things. They battle for fun, and they use magic for protection. I actually like the idea a lot, after thinking about it and experiencing everything it has to offer."
"That's... Great to hear!" Trying not to sound too monotone about his change in heart, Kain put on an awkward smile. "Just, make sure all three of you are safe. That way, I won't have to leave Fronas. After all, this town is still underdeveloped. Why else do you think they have two official agents on site for such a small village?"
"True enough." Danny knew what Kain meant by that, but he was showing quite a bit of affection today that wasn't usually there. Maybe Kain did feel guilty for manipulating Taylor into learning Leray magic. Or maybe they have all been here long enough; the effects of a small village that resonate between friendships. "Anyway," Danny yawned. "I got to be heading back. I'm enjoying this day off of training while I still can. So, I'll see you around."
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Danny remembered his last run in with Kain just as clearly as if it happened an hour ago. Well, he couldn't be sure that this would be the last time talking to Kain, but it wasn't as if he had any intention of ever coming back to Fronas either. This should be his and Taylor's last day here. Still, the words he felt before stung in his mind. Kain never wanted Danny to learn magic to appreciate the culture of Sprawn Valley, but rather as a means of extra defense and self-vigilance. Even if magic can be used to do bad things, that doesn't mean learning it is a danger in itself. Nyar? Why would you lie to me about that? After everything I've seen? After everything I've done here? I know that Leray magic isn't evil. It's people that can be truly vile!
After taking the northern path from Fronas, Jane and her friends were now on their way to Blue Port Town. Even though they visited there previously, it was like a totally new experience for Jane. All of that excitement about being able to battle had her psyched, lasting even right now. But the walk there was not a short one, and currently void of any passing by pedestrians who may or may not be viable for a battle. Either way, Jane did say she wasn't going to battle today. So both Danny and Taylor kept themselves busy with conversation just after hiking past the official exit road of Fronas.
"So once we get into Blue Port, what's the plan from there?" Taylor had to ask Jane about it. There wasn't much clarity about what they were actually supposed to do, but Taylor was far from impatient. The path here was beautiful and peaceful at the same time. It wasn't early morning anymore, but the sunlight was still just at the right angle being wintertime. Yet it was also a frigid day too, not too warm or too cold. One would think it were spring by the looks of it. The trees all around them still had their leaves attached, shinning a bright green radiant glow in response to the sunlight. The birds were chirping everywhere too. The sound of them echoed everywhere with the softest touch of mild wind. Taylor could not believe in the serenity of the wild today.
Jane knew what path to take. The question is simply when to go from point B to point C. "After I'm done with Blue Port, I want to head all the way down to Tilsit Port due west. Tilsit Port is a large beach going out to the ocean, so it's perfect for a rest stop and a battle too. But before that, we still have to cross Gross City."
"Sounds like a lot of walking," Danny implied. It sounded more to him like there would be a lot of places to go, and a lot of things to do just in the Gulop region. And what was worse, Junon's region appeared to be so much larger on the map by comparison.
Jane explained, "Oh don't be lazy. Battling other people will wear you out even more than walking, so don't pay the routes any thought." The walk was already peaceful, and Jane really never thought about how things would go after Tilsit Port. She would need to decide on where to go after reaching Junon. "I guess after Tilsit, we can take that ferry that runs on the western side of Hollifax Ocean. It will take us to the Junon region by boat."
Taylor remembered that name, Junon. That is where the airport is supposed to be, somewhere in that region. The ferryboat Jane was speaking of now, that was the real crossroads between the split islands. "Junon huh?"
"Yep," Jane figured. "There are a lot of areas in Junon, but Eldora City is a big part of that place as well. When I'm ready, I'll challenge the champion."
"So who is this champion anyway?" Danny asked. "I would imagine he's no push over in a Leray battle."
Jane replied, "Well duh! They don't call him the champion for nothing. But I'm aiming for the top! If I can beat the Leray champion in a battle, it will have finally proven that I'm a Leray master." Jane sounded super serious about her mission. This was her quest after all, getting powerful enough to challenge and defeat the champion of Leray magic. That said, this was also everyone's dream should they hope to become a Leray master, so competition would be fierce.
Taylor let out a stuttered laugh of doubt. "Well, it does sound like a lot of fun."
"Oh it will be," Jane promised. After looking at both of them today, Jane was certain that she has learned something important. "And you're welcome to be part of that fun. Don't let your parents crap all over your freedom."
"I never said anything about that. Why bring them up?"
Though Danny was already defensive, Jane knew that they were both uneasy about it. As soon as they heard about the Junon sector, Taylor and Danny both seemed a little more tense each time. "You didn't have to. Junon's airport, right? I suppose it's about them wanting you to leave, but you really just want to stay here and have fun. That's okay though. I'll back you up on that. People should be allowed to have fun here, including immigrants!"
Danny was getting embarrassed now. Jane was so happy, and now she was trusting him not to screw this up. The thought of having Jane's help with the critical issue was only putting more pressure on the situation. What's Jane going to think when she finds out about Taylor's situation with the Banshee faction back home? Will she even be willing to fight for them, after he and Taylor have both been leaving out that one detail the entire time?
Taylor realized that this journey of Jane's is going to take a very long time regardless of her initial thought about the speed of things. But what better way to get to Junon than practicing Leray magic in live firefights? Taylor vowed that she never wanted to see her parents ever again. It made sense if they were simply powerless to prevent being forced into specific labors in the new kingdom back in Kalamo, but her family was not even prepared to defend her in the first place. If they were, how would they ever get their precious monthly settlements from the kingdom at the same time? Worthless bastards! They make me so angry!
"So Danny?" Jane proposed. "You still haven't noticed yet, have you?"
"Huh? Noticed what?" Did Jane fix her hair or something? It did look like she put a lot of work stringing down her long jet-black tangles, but Jane usually has this style anyway. It can't be that important.
"Clueless as ever," she trotted. "I'm wearing my latest dress, and Taylor got a wardrobe upgrade as well."
Danny couldn't believe his mind missed that. Jane was certainly wearing something less usual. It was an interesting outfit with a skirt at the bottom. Though Jane's legs were also completely covered with the attached leggings too, one of those unique dress spheres. Danny most likely noticed it this morning and dismissed it immediately. Jane changes into a new outfit so many times in one week, it's impossible to realize any moment where the outfit isn't new. For that reason, her constant change of appearance isn't exactly a big impact on his attention. Jane's current dress sphere was mostly colored black and white with a dulled hint of blue. Taylor was wearing a full dress that was different, in the sense that the designs were much brighter and more fashionable. "Dress spheres, right?"
"Yep." Jane remembered first educating Danny on the proper wear of dress spheres. In truth, Taylor said some things about it to him, and Jane clarified the rest. It also brought back that memory of Taylor's battle; she was less fortunate. Her clothes could have been completely and totally ripped off just for a class assignment. That would have been terrifying for her, but Jane got her through it with ease. It would have been funny to tease Danny with that kind of story, just to get Taylor to lighten up, but it wasn't worth blowing the secret that much. Even still, Jane took notice in Taylor's sudden shift in mood. It was like something heavy was on her mind that she really didn't want to think about. Taylor didn't even seem to be paying any attention to the memory of dress spheres.
Jane sighed loudly. Again with the secrets...
Taylor glanced down, immediately realizing that her new dress was in fact impressive, and with Taylor's hair already done, she had to be looking well. Blue Port awaited her, and she was ready for it. No need to worry. She, Danny, and Jane would be in Blue port town in just several more minutes. In that moment, it was just an exciting matter of walking and waiting. The serenity here was lasting, and it gave Taylor the calming peace and mind she wanted.
Jane followed ahead, realizing that the first order of business upon arrival is to learn about every single Leray wielder there before getting challenged. With a nice boost of 3000 credits, the steaks couldn't be higher!
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To be continued...
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