Chapter 4: Tag-team

Every opening of the school year, it has been a practice in the Round Table academy to have a competition for the freshmen on their first day in 'Combat Tactics' class. Its main aim is to enable the teachers to evaluate the new section's skills as a whole as well as to give the freshmen the chance to interact and get to know each other better. Hence all the freshmen were instructed to gather at the open field.

On the field's corner were areas with markings used for field combat practices. The students began to assemble themselves there. In front of them was their assigned subject teacher. He was a a brawny man covered in battle worn armor. His face was unshaven and he had a scar on side of his left cheek running down to his chin. Next to him were two women in nurse uniforms.

"Attention here! Everyone listen up. My name is Geraldus de Caulmont, from this day onward I'll be the one in charge in training you on things related to combat. The women next to me is the school's head nurse, Ms. Joan Seigfield and her assistant Ms. Anne Neville. They are presently here to assist in case somebody gets injured related to the event."

"Hello, It's nice meeting you all here. We will fix any kind injuries you receive in no time so please do give all your best and leave rest to us. "

The nurses presented themselves with a bow before retreating to the back to prepare some first aid equipment. Heart shapes could be seen among the eyes of some male students.

"I believe all of you already have a hunch as to the reason why you've been gathered here, so I'm currently expecting that all of you came here well prepared for it. Now, any questions?"

Geraldus scanned the crowd but not one dared to ask so he continued with his speech.

"Well then. Since there are no questions, we will now begin with the duo combat matches. We will have the matches held as usual in a laddered tournament style."

The crowd was filled with commotion.

"Eh? What usual? shouldn't it be one-on-one matches?" "This sucks. I don't like others holding me down." "This is different from the previous years." "Does that mean we have to fight in pairs?" "Why would they suddenly change the rules for this year." "Hey, team-up with me!" 

The teacher sucked in a deep breath.

"EVERYONE PIPE DOWN! There had been issues since were having more freshmen accepted this year. With your current section's numbers, having a ladder tournament of one-on-one battles is going to take too much time. So, the principal has instead decided to turn into a duo match. After all you are to sooner or later form permanent team squads before the end of midterms, so use this opportunity prove your capabilities to the other students and to scout for possible future team members."

Akatriel nudged Elise.

"Hey, looks like this ones up my alley. Better withdraw now while you can." He is currently wearing a gray cloak  over a chain mail. I has cross symbol on its left chest.

"Not so fast geezer. I still got cards on my sleeves." Meanwhile Elise is wearing a aquamarine robe. On her left hand was a white staff made of moonoak with a stardust gem as  its core.

"We'll see whose got more aces. I'll be looking forward to see how you've improved during the break."

Geraldus placed a wooden box containing numbered balls on the grass. "Now, all of you find a partner and draw a number from this box. Those numbers would indicate your team numbers."

"Better find a good partner now BroCon."

"Tsk...tsk...You bet." she said as she walked away from him. "Hey you! You look capable, pair up with me?" 

(Hmmm...now who would I chose to be my partner. If it were not for the bet Elise would have been the best candidate. After all, if you put aside her attitude towards her brother she's actually a genius mage.) Akatriel thought to himself.

A Beastkin youth approached him while  he was looking around for a someone to ask. He was about to accept the invitation to pair up but a suddenly girl then came to his view.  She was in a battle armor, not a bulky one but a light and compact type which allows one to move around freely. Her helm was designed to appear dragon-like. On her left hand was a gauntlet depicting a dragon's upper head and on her left was a claw formed like dragon jaws. 

She looked like she was having trouble finding a partner. Every time she tries to approach someone the other person immediately declines. Akatriel politely rejected the Beastkin's and decided to approached her.

"Wow, your equipment looks cool. It's screaming like 'hey I'm a fearsome Dragon Warrior'!"

"Was that a compliment or a sarcasm?" Corvelia asked with a sour mood.

"That was a praise."

"?" Corvelia just continued to stare at him blankly.

"Promise. You really look awesome." Akatriel honestly spoke his mind. "By the way, did you chose them yourself?"

"No, my mother was the one who chose this set. At the very least, I'm glad you didn't think it looks weird."

"You seemed to have trouble finding a partner, wanna pair up?"

"Huh? Are you sure about that? The others were avoiding me for a reason you know."

"Yeah I noticed that. Is there an explanation behind it?"

"Well, I have a reputation for having some tendency to go out of control in a battle. My dragonborn bloodline is also making that reputation worse."

"After your interaction with my siblings I'm finding it hard to believe that."

"There's another reason for that too. Still, are you sure with your decision?"

"Of course. Who wouldn't want to have a strong Dragonborn for a partner."

"So you belong to those glass-half-full types. Okay then, In return I'll help you win that bet. And if we do really win, I'd be grateful if you'd also tell the kids of my good deed in helping them get Drake's stay-over."

"Deal. Then, lets go and get ourselves listed as partners."

They proceeded to registered their names as a pair, while doing so some of the other students were casting Akatriel pitiful looks as if they were sorry for him being a sacrificial lamb. He decided to let it be and drew their number. They got a number seven.

The start of the first round of matches were announced. With 32 students in their sections 16 pairs were made, pairs one to eight will be the first groups to have the matches at the same time. 

Akatriel and Corvelia's current opponents were team 8 who were a orc and ogre pair. Corvelia position herself upfront with Akatriel on her rear for support. Before the fight he already briefed her with the battle plan.

"Once the start signal is given just close your eyes for a brief moment, I'll disable them with a blinding spell. After that you can attack as you like, I'll take care of the defense and disabling the enemies. If your initial attack fails I'll also dive in to assist."

Their match began and ended within a mere few second interval.

Right immediately when the signal was given, Corvelia dashed towards the opponents while doing as told. As the two enemies also proceeded to intercept her, Akatriel casted [Light Barrier] upon her followed up by a [Blinding Flare]. Corvelia then seeing them impaired took the advantage to position herself behind them to knock them unconscious before they could even recover.

Thus, Akatriel found out she could actually deal a heavy blow enough to take down an ogre twice her size. Their armors were even pierced from the impact.

"Wow, your really strong when you go all out."

"Uhh..."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Actually, I was still holding my punches back there."

Scary. So that's what the others fear about her, but wouldn't it be better if they teamed up with her then than being her foe?

One by one the other matches had also ended. The next batch then took over. The pair settled themselves near where Elise and her partner will have their match in order for them to have a good view and observe them.

Elise's partner was a crossbreed between an elf and a homoculean. He was wearing a red vest and wasn't carrying a weapon, perhaps he specializes in hand combat.

"Alright I'll take care of this match. You just stand there on the back for a bit." Elise confidently declared.

"Fine, suit yourself." he casualy repied.

"Hey aren't you being too confident here? You better think twice before asking for a two against one." her opponent, a feline Beastkin girl mocked her.

"Let's just get on with the match shall we." She nonchalantly said.

"We'll make you regret that decision of your then. Don't you cry on us if you lose." it was the feline Beastkin's partner, a girl with a pair of bunny ears.

The teacher announced the beginning of the matches. The rabbit girl immediately rushed towards Elise while her partner chases far behind chanting a spell. Elise intercepted her with the spell [Grasping Vines] stopping her on her advance. At the same time the cat girl activated her spell [Liger's Claw], mana condensed around her hand and formed into razor-sharp claw as she swipe with her hand shredding the vines constricting her partner. 

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The rabbit girl then casted an enhancement spell [Enhanced Finesse]. The pair then attacked Elise from opposite sides.

"Got you." The pair triumphantly declared.

"Who's got who?"

Suddenly something transformed within Elise. Her blonde hair turned Sky Blue and the cheerful aura she was emitting also changed into something cold as if the girl was winter herself. Hers expression were impassive as she activated succession of magic spells from her staff.

First was "[Ice Wall]." The two beastkins approach was deterred by the wall. 

Before the could retreat another spell [Frozen Grounds] binding their feet with the ice covered ground preventing their escape.

"Sorry but its MY win, [Chilling Touch]." she affirmed as she casts the final spell encasing the pair in ice. "Hmpt...Easy victory."

"Winner of this match, team 13 Elise Moonspell and Varin Bloodtalon." The teacher announced ad the nurse proceeded to thaw the other team from the ice blocks.

Akatriel and Corvelia met up with them after their match.

"Nice fight you had there. It's been quite some time I have seen you Erine." Akatriel greeted as he approached the winner of the match.

"Yeah, I agree with that OLD MAN."

"Hey I'm trying to be nice here. Don't be hostile."

"Sorry, can't do that. Unless the bet is concluded your treated as my nemesis, I can't lose my brother to you." coldly replied.

"Geez, how come your personalities change but no matter which personality takes over that brother complex of yours remain." he complained.

"Uhm. Akatriel, would you bother explaining the situation." Corvelia asked confused.

"Well you know that Avalonians acquire a unique innate ability when they reach a certain age right."

"Yeah?"

"Somehow Elise obtained MPD* causing her to develop multiple personalities. Erine is her second personality, she specializes in ice magic while Elise whom you met earlier specializes in nature magic."

"It's the first time I've ever met such a case."

"Well Elise's ability is considered rare after all. Which reminds me you're also have Avalonian bloodline right? What ability did you obtain?

"Oh, mine is just the ability to detect presence. What is yours?"

"Huh?"

"I'm asking what's your Avalonian ability?"

"He doesn't have any, cause he's not Avalonian but a Nephilim" Erine stated. 

"But what's with the eyes? And aren't Nephilims suppose to have a pure white or black hair?"

"My eyes are just simply heterochromic for some reason. As for my hair that's another story. I'll tell you about it next time. But for not we got to get moving. The matches are about to begin and we're up next."

"I understand, then bye for now Erine nice meeting you."

"The pleasures mine too." Erine's hair started to change back to being blonde. 

"Good luck on your next match, do your best okay. The other guys wants to experience fighting you too. We're not gonna let you win though." Recovering control over her body, Elise cheerfully encouraged them.

"I still find her ability weird. How many personalities does she have?" Corvelia curiously asked.

"Last year I fought her she had five. However there's no telling if new ones came up."

"Eh? That many? How are we suppose to find a way to fight each?"

"Let worry about that later. For now, lets concentrate with the current match."

The two went ahead to faced their next opponents, this time a pair of brawny Biomechaniod boy and redhaired Uthopian girl. 

When the match began, it was now the opponents who took the initiative to strike first. Corvelia intercepted them with a fire breath, blocking their path with flames. However the Uthopian jumped in directly into the flames, controlling them she compressed the flames into a fireball within her hand before sending it back at Corvelia. The fireball exploded on impact but Corvelia emerged from them unscathed due to her resistance to fire. 

Akatriel then sent a volley of [Piercing Light] Spell from behind. The Biomechanoid intercepted the beams heading toward her partner positioning and himself in between them. He then activated a kinetic force-field from his palm cancelling the attack. After blocking all the projectiles, he took out a miniature sphere from the pack he was carrying. The sphere expanded in a touch of a button and changed into a missile launcher. A dozen of explosive rockets were launched auto-locked at Akatriel and Corvelia.

"!!!" 

"Take cover behind me." Akatriel called out and activated a spell after Corvelia retreated. "[Light Barrier]."

"Akatriel, I'll take care of the Uthopian esper with pyrokinesis. Try to distracting the Biomechanoid."

"On it. [Piercing Light]." He agreed sending another volley of magic.

"That won't work." The Biomech countered again with a force field.

"How about this. [Light Shackles]."

Chains of light emerged from the ground where the Biomech was standing and warped around his body as he tried to block the light beams. After fully entangling on him, the chains started to pull him down unto the ground.

"The harder you resist the more the chain tightens."

"You pesky cleric. I can still pull my trigger."

"Not a chance. [Blinding Flare]."

The opponents' visions was impaired making them unable to retaliate. When they had regained their vision, Akatriel was already sprinting towards him. Kicking off the ground, he somersaulted in midair landed on the already kneeling opponent. 

"Oomph...!!!" The biomech grunted as he finally drop on the ground faced down due to Akatriel's weight and the tugging chains.

The Redhead tried to attack Akatriel but before she could do so, she was knocked away by Corvelia's charge. She tried to retaliated with a barrage of fireballs. Corvelia rushed through them and released her fire breath. The attacks seemed futile against each other showing little effects. However the victor was clearly decided once they were already in close combat as Corvelia overpowered her with sheer brute strength. The Dragonborn knocked her out after giving her a few blows in the head.

"Argh. Damn it." the Biomech tried to break free but interrupted his effort after a spear made of light was pointed in between his eyes by Akatriel.

"Do you still wish to continue?"

"Ugh...I surrender."

"Team seven wins the match." The teacher announced.

"Yeah, another win." Akatriel declare giving Corvelia a high-five.

"Two matches down, two more to go!"

"So lame, your still not showing your new spells." Elise currently with a red hair, complained at the two as she and her partner were leaving the combat area. They had just won their second match against a Demigod and Dwarf pair. As usual she had beaten them both by herself.

"There no reason for us to reveal our trump cards if we don't have to." Akatriel responded.

"Uhh...who is she this time?" Corvelia tapped at Akatriel.

"That personality is Esire, a brother complex afflicted tomboy addicted to Yaoi romances."

"Hey. What's wrong with daydreaming BL romances between me and my lil' bro."

"Heck, you're not even a bona fide man to be qualified for BL in the first place.

"Sheesh. Shut up." Esire blocked him off and faces Corvelia. "Yo, Corviee. Let me reintroduce myself, my current personality's name is Esrirae. I specialize with fire magic."

"It's nice to meet you Esire."

"And oh, just to warn you. Beware of your next opponents, there far different from the others you've fought so far."

"Huh, why? What's so special about them?"

"One of them is currently a candidate in succeeding his father as the member of the Knights of Round Table. And the other is from the family serving the kingdoms as elite royal guards. Be careful in fighting against them "

"Team 7, Akatriel Godsworn and Corvelia Hölle-Flügel. Proceed now to the combat area for your next match."  their teacher Geraldus' announcement for the third match was heard from afar.

"Lets go Corvelia." Akatriel called out.

"Okay. Good luck in advance for the next match Eli...I mean Esire."

"You too. Lets meet in the final match and find out whose the superior flame user between us."

"You bet, I won't lose against you."

Akatriel and Corvelia once again enter the combat area for their next match.

* * * * * * * * * *

* - Multiple Personality Disorder