Alright calm down, there's several possibilities he could-.

Gater approaches Almas. "You're the one I fought before right?"

Is your memory broken? It's only been a week! "Ah yes, why do you ask?" Almas clenches his right hand into a fist.

"No reason, that was a good fight is all!" Gater takes the desk next to Almas's. "Oh do you mind if I take this desk?"

What's the point of asking that you're already sitting!- Wait calm down, this is a prime opportunity to gain their trust and information. I shouldn't spoil this chance despite my anger. "Ah I don't mind, by the way why are you in this class?" Almas's lips quiver as he attempts to smile."

"Hmm same as you I guess? They did say I was lacking spells."

Lacking spells, wait- "What do you mean by lacking spells?"

Gater scratches their head. "I only have my wind, don't really have those cantrip things they keep talking about."

He doesn't have any reusable spells! I just thought he didn't have any projectiles. I got beaten by a one trick pony! "Ah I see now, that's unfortunate." Almas almost loses control of his smile. His lips quivering more and more.

"Nah it's no biggie! At least I got in." Gater grins, then starts preparing his desk.

Goddamnit he's mocking me!- Alright calm down they're in the same position as me, and that powerful wind isn't too shabby. If I treat them well they might be my ticket out of here.

"Ya, guess so." Almas managed to keep his composure.

The other students and the teacher soon arrived.

"Now that everyones here, greetings everyone I'm Ms Maya, and I'll be your general spells teacher, now lets begin with a refresher on basic magic theory." Maya had this boundless enthusiasm to her as she recited her lesson. It was a long and boring process for Almas as he zoned out writing whatever he heard, similar to how a undead servant would act.

Goddamnit basic magic theory really? Couldn't even study the competition due to Gater blocking my sight. Note to self take a seat at the back so that I can study others more clearly, though I would hope future classes aren't this dull.

Gater yawns. "Damn that's a lot to remember, ready for lunch Almas?"

Would it be safe to have lunch with him? No self respecting person from my former school would use the cafeteria to eat so I'm safe in that front. Would it be beneficial? Gaining more favor with them wouldn't hurt. "Sure, hopefully the food here is to our liking!"

Almas was about to stand up when they saw that violin owner shot a quick glare at them before leaving the classroom.

Did I make that bad of a impression?

Almas and Gater made their way to the cafeteria. Almas keeping keeping their hood up to avoid eye contact with those higher ranking then they are. Gater didn't seem to care about their surroundings much choosing to greet everyone on the way there with various success.

If I knew they would put this much attention upon us I wouldn't have accepted this invitation! Almas see's some of the students with higher ranks snickering. He then stares at Gater, seeing no reaction coming from them.

What's going on why is this affecting me more than them? He receeds more into his hood.

"You okay there, you seem a bit sick?" Gater takes a glance at Almas a bit confused at his demeanor.

"I feel a bit under the weather, it should go away when I have some food in my system don't worry!" Almas tightened their grip on his hood.

"Didn't know using your brain could make you tired!" Gaters laugher echoes through the halls

Dammit why did I have to accept this invitation! Almas starts to walk briskly toward the cafeteria entrance out of embarrassment.

"Hmm? Oh a sudden competition! You're on!" Gater goes on full sprint, jumping over some of the crowded halls with ease, and reaching the cafeteria first with a few celebatory flourishes.

There was a sudden burst of cheering from the students. But then a teacher came by and quickly scolded Gater for his behaviour.

At least it's not me getting punished, should I step in? He might resent me if I go by myself. Though I'll be putting more attention on myself helping them. Guess I'll just wait and hope his scolding isn't too long. Almas waits by the cafeteria entrance, trying to make a straight face as he hid their glee at the current situation.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The teacher refreshed Gater on the rules of this school, it lasted for about 15 minutes. Gater didn't seem hung up from it from what Almas saw. Infact they seemed mentally void by the halfway point.

"Thanks for waiting for me buddy." Gater yawns as they grab a tray.

"Oh of course, would be rather dull to eat alone." Almas picks at the trays until he finds one that's up to his standards of cleanliness, then takes a quick glance of their surroundings. "What was that all about anyway?"

"Hmm? Oh you mean that, thought we were having a friendly race so I was trying to match your pace. You're pretty slow. You sure you're eating well?" Gater grabs about 3 plates full of some unidentified meat.

"I think? Don't really pay that much attention to my diet." Almas tries not to dwell on their comment, then proceeds to skip most of the food items until they settle on a bowl of salad with a slice of cake on the side.

They then walk towards the tables.

"So know anyone here?" Says Gater looking expectantly at Almas

I would if I didn't get sabatoged by a certain someone! "Just as new as you my friend, there seems to be several empty tables we can occupy though!" Almas's face contorts into a forced smile.

"Hmm, talking with a lot of people is more lively though, how about her, you seemed to know each other." Gater goes toward the table. The violin owner was sitting there reading that same book on her hand while at the same time taking small bites out of her cake.

Goddamit, at least let me answer before moving! Should I just ditch them? Then again my favor can't get any worse with that girl, and if I'm able to communicate I might be able to turn this around. Almas follows Gater.

"Good evening fellow student you mind if me and my friend can sit here?" Gater simultaneously takes a seat as he asks this question.

The violin owner doesn't seem to mind until she saw Almas. "I was just about to leave anyway." The violin owner quickly grabbed her things and left the cafeteria.

I've heard that voice before, don't really remember anyone from my old school that sounded like that. Ah well a thought for another day, at least I don't have to deal with them today.

"Wew she must hate your guts, not sure why you didn't tell me before I got here." Gater starts scarfing down their food.

Calm down calm down. "Ya I'll remember to do that next time!" Almas starts eating their salad, their fork hitting the ceramic bowl with enough force to make it ring.

Gater laughs "Save some of that spirit for our combat class!"

Hmm didn't hear anything abou- oh right "Of course, would take more than a mere salad to get me all tired." Hopefully we get a decent teacher. Almas gradually lessens the strain they put on the bowl.

Almas followed Gater toward the courtyard, slightly nervous at the prospect that they might have to spar with them again.

Upon opening the door they see the other students warming up, some swinging their wooden practice weapons. While others are shooting at boulders and trees with various spells, arrows, and bolts though the objects were surprisingly resiliant, even when they were damaged they mended themselves. Several kinds of instruments can also be heard oddly syncing up their melodies.

Hmm kind of odd I didn't hear any of this until I went through the door, though I wouldn't want this racket going on while in class.

Almas took a glance at his surroundings. The plants, and boulders seemed oddly manufactured almost as if there were built rather than planted or formed. The stone stage in the middle looked ominous especially after their experiences with it.

Gater immediately started hitting the nearest unattended boulder.

So much for talking to them, then again might have reached my limit with interactions for now. Thinking about it I'm kind of tired already had enough practice for these past weeks. Almas sits down on the freshly cut grass and meditates.

"Gather up everyone!" A grizzled man in leather armor screams, coughing by the end of the sentence. Several burn marks and scars can be seen on their face and arms.

The students immediately gather in front of the teacher, Almas wakes up from their meditation and follows them.

"Good good, the names Kaius I'm your combat instructer, now everyone give me ten laps around the courtyard!"

Some of the students were confused at the sudden order, but Gater and some others quickly heeded the order, shortly after the others followed including Almas.

Physical training? Wasn't really expecting this, surely there will be something of more substance later. Almas was already short on breath after 2 of these laps and had to walk the rest of the way.

"Lift this boulder! Give me 20! Your forms incorrect! Not fast enough!" Kaius walking up to each student correcting their form with a wooden dagger.

I swear my bodies gonna be a slime by the end of this! Almas attempts to do another push up, but ends up on the floor instead.

After a hour of Kaius's training, every student proceeded to gather up in front of them.

"Good work everyone, see you tomorrow!" Kaius was about to leave, pulling a lighter and cigar from their jacket pocket.

A large collective groan could be heard.

Wait that was it! There has to be more! Cal- Dammit! "Wait sir!" Almas screams trying to catch up with the teacher before he leaves.

"Hmm?" Kaius pulls the cigar out of their mouth. "What is it?"

"Was just wondering, was there anything more substantial today? This is a combat class after all." Almas says condescendingly

"Hmm, can't see any possibility of that, don't really see any defensive spell experts here so you can't really spar with each other." Kaius rubs their chin for a bit. "Unless of course you want to spar with me!"

Almas's feels a slight chill behind on their back, the other students are heard gossiping amongst themselves.

"Hmm? Cat got your tongue? Fine since I'm feeling bored I'll sweeten the pot." He starts to talk louder. "If any of you manage to land one good shot on me I'll personally give you enough credit to move you up a rank."

Wait what did he say? moving up a rank? Could be enough to get me out of these bottom classes. But they're still a teacher, wouldn't they have more- wait can I use this to my advantage? "But sir, we don't nearly have enough spells to keep up with you, surely that's a major disadvantage." Almas grins

"Hah! Excellent point, how about this then, I'll use no magic and I only win if I lightly tap a vital point with this dagger. If I accidentally injure any of you students you will all get the credit anyway. Sounds like a sweet wager doesn't it?" Kaius returns the grin.

Hah no magic? The fool! if I let others to throw their attempts they can tire him out to pave my victory! "You're on."