Lying down on my bed, as the morning sunlight that bleed through the curtain started to slowly engulf the room, I stared at the ceiling that stared right back at me. As I lie and ponder on how I should feel, should I be happy that I’m alive and everything seems normal?
Shocked that I’m alive and normal? Confused that I’m alive and normal? Just what happened? After dying a random being just appeared out of nowhere, started being annoying, gave me a contract, and finally gave me a blessing.
And it resulted in me, on a bed as birds sang peacefully, as if nothing that I just suffered happened. The emotional trauma, the pain, the betrayal, death, is just, all but a scarred memory.
Just wonderful is it not? The feeling of having something restarted in life. But it rivals the feelings of abnormality. I guess it’s going to be the new “normal” for me due to the contract I agreed on. As the terrible memories crawl slowly back into my mind, I quickly find a distraction by checking my body condition.
And as expected, it’s normal. Arms and legs are there, along with hands and feet, and it feels like my body is well rested. I raised a hand in front of my face, and unwanted memories quickly rose up. Panic was quickly creeping in, and in response I frantically sat up from the bed. Before it could go any further on, I noticed my surroundings, the room I’m in is quite familiar.
Ah, of course I’m in this little hell hole, it’s the academy’s dorm. I still remember the time where this room felt small compared to home. But I can’t complain much about the dorm myself since my room in the dorm is quite the standard one; a full sized bed, dresser with a mirror, closet, and a desk.
I have to say though, the room is not bad if you compare it to the ones who have to share a room in a shack, but of course, it’s not any better than the luxurious room that the board’s decision to extravagantly accommodate some nobles with their dorms, that’s basically a luxurious apartment.
After relaxing on the somewhat comfortable bed, I got up and walked to the dresser’s mirror. To my dismay, within the mirror lies a person that stares right back at me, it has neck length black hair that’s all disheveled with a dead expression, due to it just waking up and maybe something else hidden. Upon observing the person further, it is wearing nothing but pants, and surprisingly they have some toned muscles defined due to training they had as a kid.
As I was inspecting my body if there’s anything wrong within the mirror, I noticed a dark transparent box hovered right beside me in the mirror, so I turned to see if it’s real, or maybe it’s something on the mirror since both seem believable for now.
Looking around some more I noticed it turns out to be real. It sits on the edge of my sight when looking forward, but before I can get a closer look at the box it has to startle me by suddenly expanding. After calming down a bit I looked back at the expanded box which reads:
Name: Akira
Lv. 7
Age: 18
Job: Magic Knight
Title: Raven’s beloved
Mana: 7500/7500
Race: Human
STR: 24 INT: 35 DEF: 18
VIT: 19 AGI: 28 RES: 20
Skill: Swordsmanship - Magic Affinity - Foresight - Strategic Mind - Cooking - Reflex - Tsundere - Desperate - Raven’s Blessing
Upon noticing what it reads, the childish and otaku side of me feels ecstatic with a status box suddenly appearing. There’s also the logical side of me that feels confused on why it exists now, and it’s also a bit annoyed by a certain title and skill set. Staring at the status box, a small part of hope that everything that just transpired was all but a terrible nightmare. The hope I had that the nightmare would just fade from memory is shattered, as I can only think who’s the mastermind behind this status box.
Raven, being quite outgoing and sporadic, managed to dig through either me playing a RPG or me reading a light novel to even have the idea of making a real status for me. And she did all of that just-for-me, is what Raven would proudly proclaim if she was here.
To exaggerate this, I never had a status box even appear in front of me ever since I came into Onirhika, which makes it quite obvious who's the creator here. I do have to say though, it seems like she put in quite the effort into this.
Skimming through the skills I have in the status box, I looked at the “skill” [ Tsundere ] for a bit longer than others. Surprising me once more, a description popped up reading:
Tsundere:
[ Put up a some kind of front to hide your love ]
I’m just lost for words at the description, it says what a tsundere is, and it’s pretty accurate. But the damn “skill” is more of a personality trait, unless this is some sort of charm skill. Putting aside that Raven slapped that skill in the status, I’m more surprised Raven made a description of the skill in the first place.
After knowing Raven legitimately made a genuine status, it incited me to read the description of [ Desperate ], [ Raven’s Blessing ] and [ Foresight ]. Aside from [ Foresight ], they’re the most interesting one in my skill set that isn’t already obvious by its name.
Desperate:
[ At the verge of death have all status x2 ]
Raven’s Blessing:
[ I wuv you ]
Foresight:
[ Just depends on how good you’re guessing ]
Raven, not failing to surprise once more, made the skills next to useless. [ Desperate ] seems quite powerful at first. The downfall however, is that I need to be on the verge of death, and that is what I want to avoid at all cost. If anything, it seems more like dragging them with you then surviving.
As for [ Foresight ] it just solely depends on how experienced I am in battle sense, which I have almost none of. Hence why I’m at an academy that focuses on militaristic and combat tactics.
Even worse is that [ Raven’s Blessing ] description is just a love confession. For all I know it’s more of a claim knowing her. What makes it worse, is the fact that blessings are only given to one person by gods, of which there are only 12 of them, and none of them are named Raven.
Even if the god’s name changed recently she does not fit in any description of the gods, the 12 being; God of Sin, Element, Love, Life, Death, Hate, Creation, Destruction, War, Power, Magic, and finally Virtue if I remember it correctly.
As for what their blessing grants, hearing from rumors, they grant the gods special ability. Example being if someone is blessed by God of Creation then everything made by their hands will exceed the masters in their field by tenfold.
Though the gifts are quite obvious, no one knows the exact skill and limit they have. Since all of the chosen ones tend to hide their cards. Even so, I’ve haven’t heard anything about any of the chosen ones dying nor stripped of their power, making it pretty much impossible for Raven to be one of the 12 gods.
Sighing at the fact I can’t handle Raven’s little schemes, I looked away from the box in which it disappeared. After the box I went to the dresser to start to routinely dress up for class out of habit.
The uniform consists of a white blouse, a dark blue jacket that oddly resembles a commander’s outfit adorned with a silver chain on the left breast that is hollow on the inside to make it light, and finally a black colored dress pants.
Furthermore, the clothes the academy provides are really wonderful due to enchantments, which I don’t know much about. I just know that it’s comfortable and flexible, making it ideal for everyday uses. Looking in the mirror once more to check my uniform, is when I noticed I ignored one important question, what’s today?
I still remember back on Earth, using technology, I can use a phone to easily check the time and date. Right now though, Onirhika hasn’t even reached that far into science. There’s also the fact I don’t spy any calendar in my room. Most likely due to me being too lazy or busy to buy a new one. Surprisingly enough, this world still uses the same seven day system as Earth, the twist being a unique system to which god you could worship that tuku, or day.
Nonda is Hate and Destruction, Hueda is Life and Virtue, Warda is War and Power, Treda is Element and Magic, Freda is Sin and Love, Creada is Creation, Decda is Death. Thinking about it, some of the names are quite similar to Earth’s days, like Nonda is Monday, Hueda is Tuesday and so forth.
I believe for months or eiku it’s; Janu, Fabu, Mar, Pril, Mea, Lio, Yul, Aka, Silr, Nove, and Dau. Janu is the first month and you can guess the rest. Another thing to mention is that each month has three “weeks” or rather jiku.
Regretting my laziness for not buying a new calendar, I open the curtain to look out the window to see the outside world. What greets me is the sunrise is almost completed as it looms over the academy, Zearth. Looking around, some students are already walking around with some running around, making the academy alive.
Watching over a person running into the main building, my gaze soon turned to the building itself. The academy's buildings are quite like those in Earth’s Renaissance buildings combined with a bit of modern designs here and there. I was quite in awe to see how prestigious this academy is when I got here for the first time. Oh, would you look at that group of people walking out of the cafeteria chatting to each other after breakfast. Yup, everything seems normal so far.
A sense of normality takes over, as I continue to watch people going about their day, getting a bit lost in the process. It was when I saw the sundial in the park that I remembered that I need to ask someone what day and month today is. It’s just like any start to an isekai isn’t it? Except that I’ve already been reborn into this world, died, and I’m back as if nothing happened.
I continued upon my routine by making the bed. My mind and body instinctively flapped up the blanket, fixing it in place, and repositioning the pillow. After that I move to the closet and grab what I need to- wait, I don’t even know if I have lectures today or if I just study or train. Great. Mindless action won against me once more.
I quickly walked to open the door so I could talk to one of my roommates about my lingering question. Twisting the handle I pushed open the door onto the hallway, upon taking a step forward did a sudden replay of memories of me desperately running away from them-them psychos came back to me.
As the memories played on without a pause, a sudden wave of what feels like stress, fear, despair, and other unknown feelings overwhelms me. Then before I knew it, I was holding onto the door handle as I was barely able to stand, losing the ability to do anything. I desperately wanted to close the door so I could cry, scream and hide within my room, not wanting to venture out into the world, yet I couldn’t make myself hide back in my safe haven.
I struggle to breathe as the memories flashes right before me, with one memory lasting longer than the rest. It was the time when I was dragged into the room when I tried to escape for the first time. I tried my best to resist so I won’t be in that room anymore. In the end it was all for nothing, as they turned even more sadistic in their methods. Before I can experience their curel form of mental torcure a sense of calm relieves me. Though it's like something, no, someone is urging me to go forward.
Breathing a big shaky from my nose and exhaling from my mouth once did I somehow regain a small part of my sanity back. I took another step on the diamond pattern carpet hallway. I leave my door slightly ajar then weakly walk to the right of me to room 306 entrance. Taking one last moment to regain myself. Only then did I gently knock twice with my index finger. Shouting out “Roomservice!” After all, it's a lot easier to hide things in a joke or disguise.
Shortly after I shouted room service, can you hear the sleepy guest walking to the door along with a quiet groggy mutter that sounded like “Wh… i… thi… ...ime” followed upon opening the lock, and then the door opening up. The figure in front of the dark room is basically a prince charming, a sharp face shape with feminie like facial features yet masuline at the same time, and currently he has messy dark blonde hair.
I was taken aback a little once that he still can look good without any effort. Taking a breath in, I spoke to prince charming, also known as Reinhert, in a dignified tone.
“Good morning, sir. Would you like breakfast in your room or in the dining room today?”
Chuckling a little, Reinhert spoke in a dark rich tone to play along with my joke. “Well then, I guess I'll have breakfast in my room along with the request you have for me this time.”
Stopping the accent I said “Alright, this will sound stupid, but can you tell me what’s today’s date?”
“Did you suddenly lose all your memories or something, Akira?”
Reinhert just gave me a questionable look, just because I asked quite a normal question. Well great, do I lie and say I did? Or do I not lie? It’ll be a lot better if Reinhert over here can give me the date first before asking that question, so I can act accordingly and not look like some time traveler asking what date today is. Wait, I can just counteract this.
“Why would the first question I ask you, if I forgot my memories, is what’s today’s date? Wouldn’t I ask you who I am or where I am first?”
“Good point. Well if I remember it correctly, the tuku is the Dedca, the second jiku of Nove.”
“And, the year?”
Reinhert now had a puzzled look plastered upon his face when I asked for what year it is. Seriously, Reinhert, please answer the question already, and stop questioning me instead. As I tried to scramble a good reason why, I heard some shuffling in his room. Oh, I see how it is. A large smirk starts to form as the shuffling gets closer, then a little sleepy soft voice comes from Reinhert’s back.
“Hm? Who are you talking to this early, honey?”
It’s quite remarkable to see two gorgeous people going out together, let alone be madly in love with each other. The other beauty being a girl with a cute face, long dark hair flowing to her shoulders wearing nothing but a boyfriend’s shirt. Also did I forget to mention both of them have bodies that've been sculpted by a master sculptor?
Well, aside from being blind by how good someone can look I already narrowed it down to two years, out of like, three. That just made me remember how healthy their relationship is, unlike mine.
Speaking of couples, I noticed Reinhert is blushing red as a hot iron, as he scurried to hide how his lover is staying at his place, which is not allowed. Considering the academy has a reputation to uphold. So I decided to say one last thing with a big grin on my face then run away.
“Well, looks like you got something to take care of Reinhert….” Then with a hushed mocking tone along with a slight bow I continued “Well don’t let me get in your way of your lovely dovely time with madam Iva.”
I dashed back to my room before Reinhert could say anything back to me. As soon as I closed my entrance behind me I started laughing, either at the fact at Reinhert’s baffled and embarrassed reaction or the fact that I just remembered a certain someone who killed me in what felt like not too long ago.
Hah...I can’t really get my mind off of that backstabbing bitch no matter what I do. Anyways, I can probably figure out what year it is by looking with what I have around my room a bit closer. I walked to my desk to see what lessons I might be taking, only to notice I had written something down on the desk. To my dismay it read, “Plans for the date with Nanako! Num. 8” and what followed upon that title was a whole schedule on what to do.
Why didn’t I remember this earlier when Reinhert said what today is!? Why did I end up going back to this day!? Why am I in the Dedca, the second jiku of Nove, 549! I’ll have to go through that fucking hell again don’t I!? I don’t want to experience it again! I really-
Wait, no. Calm down, I know what will happen today, I… Can do this. I-I know I can. I just need to remember what will happen during this mockery of a date. I can do this. Just got to calm down a bit again. Alright, breathe in with your nose then exhale with your mouth…
After doing a little breathing technique did I peer into the paper filled with ignorance and naivety, the content being:
Plans for the date with Nanako! Num 8
Meet up with Nanako after sword training with Decius
Go around town, shop around for a bit and eat lunch
Roughly around 15:00 go to the guild to pick a quest
After quest grab dinner
Go to the park to go stargazing
Escort her home
Go to bed
I honestly wonder why in the world I write this crap. Well, I guess love can make you blind… Anyways, today’s schedule I have a private class for magic and swordsmanship. Going to the window once again, I take a look at the sun’s position along with a nice view on a sundial placed somewhat near a little park at the academy, which reads 6… something.
Either way if I don’t hurry up I’ll be late since it starts around 7 something. I forgot the minute I needed to get there, okay? If I do remember correctly I need to grab my sword alongside a breastplate and armguard after sword training so I can do quests. And my sword is in the closet coincidentally with the armor.
I walked to the closet and opened it to obtain my necessity to survive the day. And as expected the closet is somewhat in disarray. From one pile the clothes are neatly folded and others just thrown around as a breastplate with an armguard hangs uniformly from the hooks.
After taking a second to spot the sword, I grabbed my sheathed sword and set the armor neatly into a backpack. Making sure I have everything, I walked out the door of my room once more. Ready to start the day that’ll only bring me suffering as the day progresses..
----------------------------------------
The magic practice ground became more visible as I jogged towards it, hoping to make it on time after doing my albutions and breakfast. Last time I remember I was late. Dethye, my magic teacher, almost killed me using her lighting magic as punishment.
I still remember the sensation of being shocked and cooked. Shuddering from the memories I continued jogging onto the vast open grassy field, that’s when I noticed Dethye sitting against a tree quite the distance away from our meeting spot.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
I arrived upon the agreed location, which is a cleared out plain among the many only to be differentiated by the number on it. As I wave at Dethye at ground 14 the response I get back from her is just silence as she lies there.
Thinking that she must’ve not noticed me the first time I started to wave at her again. It first started out with one arm waving, but then it later escalated to two arms, as I continued my objective changed to waving and shouting until she noticed me. The result being that she didn’t notice me at all. As I stand there feeling quite ignored, I sense some gazes upon me from the act I did earlier.
Deciding I had enough of trying to catch her attention I walked towards her. Upon arrival I sit next to Dethye ready to demand a reason on why she's ignoring me, only to realize she’s asleep out of everything. Her sharp face, sharp features, sun tanned skin and shoulder length light brown hair seems to glow even under the trees shades as the sun is still rising.
After staring at how peaceful she’s sleeping, a sudden sensation of sleep creeps upon me as a soft breeze passes by. Along with the sound of the tree rustling and strange loud sounds that play from time to time from other students practicing various magic in the morning.
No wonder she fell asleep here, it’s honestly quite a nice place to relax. Though I have to wonder, why is she here so early? Last time I remember I arrived at the training ground on time for Dethye’s lessons. She was exactly at ground 14, as she somewhat patiently waited for me. Was I too early? That must be the answer, since I’m able to see her sleeping out in the open quite carelessly. Ah, I think the sensation of me wanting to doze off is slowly growing on me. Won’t be surprised if I suddenly fall asleep. But why would Dethye be here so early?
That was the last thought I had as I slowly closed my eyes, falling victim to relaxation, even with the unknown amount of sleep I had before “waking up”. Before I knew it, I felt a soft nudge at my chest, as I slowly woke up a sharp pain surges from my head. I cried out in a yelp, going into full alert due to the pain. A sudden chuckle was heard as my vision was able to focus.
The figure stands in front of me in the same silver blouse as the uniform I have on, the pants are similar to, but the only difference is their jacket. It’s adorned with metals upon the color of black, along with the outlines of bright red, making the jacket even more distinct than mine.
She’s also holding a staff that I assume she used to hit me with and there’s also the fact that she’s wearing her jacket like a cape. Which sort of seems like a Dethye thing to do, then her feminie husky voice ranged
“About time ya wake up.”
“Well, excuse me, this spot was too relaxing not to sleep”
“You got dat right! Now hurry ya bum up and we’ll start tha lesson!”
“All right then.”
I reached out my hands towards Dethye so she can pick me up, and she responded with helping me getting up. Surprisingly, for only being a magic teacher she has a physique like a trained swordsman. But she isn’t a magic knight like me, I believe she’s- Wait can’t I see Dethye’s status?
As Dethye and I walked to ground 14 I tried to look for a tiny box I saw last time, which I only found myself looking like a pervert ogling her body. I quickly gave up halfway there since I assume Raven is too lazy to make one for everyone.
Before we arrive at our spot I recall from the past, the only reason why Dethye is here helping me with magic casting is mostly because of my brother, who’s a skilled graduate mage from this academy. I believe he was around the top ten within the whole academy.
“Alright! We are here. Let’s see what ya got, startin’ wit basic spell.”
Dethye stopped and turned to me, with somewhat of a serious look on her face, saying she’s ready to teach. I took a breath ready to start chanting.
“Don't do that! I want to see you try casting without chanting.”
“Wait, why?”
“It’s time for you to improve from before”
Getting caught in the moment I questioned her decision. Truthfully I already knew how to do chantless magic, but as of “today” I never learned nor ever tried chantless magic. Acting out I’m clueless I commented
“But, I don’t know how-”
“That’s why I’m here!”
Oddly enough, today out of all the days she taught me for three year, Dethye randomly wanted to teach me how to do chantless magic. Since I was taught how chantless magic works, it actually saved, no, somewhat saved my life.
I cast a fire on the rope I was bound to without chanting so I wouldn't alert the guard like I did on the first try. Then before I knew it I was setting the house on fire. I still didn’t have it down during that time so I was painfully forced to teach myself, no one is a better motivator to learn than fear am I right?
From what I’ve learned, magic here works by taking mana from the body or object then converting it into magic, but everyone's mana capacity and regeneration varies from people to races to regions. But normally everyone’s mana should be back when they rest. As for the matter of why, no one knows, but everyone has some kind of theory that goes along with it.
Moving along though, there’s the classic spells; fire, water, earth, and air, then there’s body and mental magic like strength, curse, and blessing. But there’s even more magic that exists, you just need to find it according to all the teachers I’ve heard saying. I remember hearing some rumors of time magic being real, which most doubts it does exist. But after experiencing this death loop thingy, it’s honestly quite… scary isn’t it?
Another thing to mention is that everyone is born with a certain kind of affinity, like water, fire, earth, and wind. Surprisingly, people who have multiple affinities exist too, like Dethye who has affinities for the natural elements. But just about everyone can use any type of magic, the downside is that they won’t be good against a person who has an affinity for the magic.
“Are you listening to me?”
Ah, I definitely got lost in my thoughts again…
“Nope.”
An expected smack was placed upon my shoulder as I wondered why I blurted out the truth. The catalyst used to hurt me was Dethye’s dandy staff she carries around for no reason aside from abusing people and using it for convenience. Reason being that her staff doesn’t boost her magical powers. Who knows, it’s probably made from the same kind of tree I was leaning on earlier.
“Listen up!”
Dethye quickly managed to make water appear out of thin air, which then later flew right into my face. As expected. I probably deserved that. I have to say though, that was quite refreshing.
“That’s for not listening to me for the first time.”
“But wasn’t the smack-”
What do you know, another splash of water flew right into my face once more. It’s actually quite nice of Dethye to use water instead of fire or mud. Alright then, I guess instead of recapping myself on how magic works, I need to listen to Dethye again on how chantless magic works.
“Okay, in order to use magic without speaking gibberish and giving yourself out to anyone, you need to first imagine what magic you want to use. It doesn’t matter which type you want to use, it’s all the same. Once you have it envisioned, draw out your mana, and this is the hardest part for most people, make sure you have control over the mana you need to use. It’ll take time for you to find the right spot though.”
After the explanation on how magic works I quickly get to work. I imagine a water stream I plan to splash Dethye with, only then I start trying to take out a certain amount of mana. To my surprise, during the process of it a small screen appeared in front of my face that said: Mana required: 34/50.
I noticed the scrren a little too late as I accidentally overshot it due to distraction, and so I was punished by a numbing shock coming from my hand where I envisioned where I’ll shoot the water from.
“That’s the result if you can’t control your mana properly. It’s also part of learning chantless magic. If you’re asking for help forget it, the mana capacity is different for everyone.”
The pain sure does take me back, the first time I felt it was in this same situation. The pain is one of its kind, not even me getting physical injuries can compare. Shaking off the creeping dread, I try once more. As expected the small screen pops up again this time saying: Mana required: 23/50. This time I managed to hit it exactly so it’s 50/50, and what do you know, a water stream quickly formed. As intended the water stream aimed at Dethye’s face for payback.
“I was plannin’ on complemen’ ya, but after dat? Nah. Now do it again so ya can get used to controlling it.”
“Aye aye”
First time in three years Dethye didn’t do anything back to me, which brought an unexpected fear that she’ll get back at me sooner or later. Aside from that, it’s expected of her lack of emotions given how many times she sees prodigies gone by, with one of them breaking the fundamentals of magic itself. Or maybe she just has the “skill” [ Tsundere ].
I take a deep breath and start imagining water forming again, this time in the shape of a cube. As expected the tiny box appeared once more, specifying how much mana to put in to cast it. It’s pretty much a cheat for me using this “system”, and sadly the person responsible for it is Raven. When the box reaches 25/25 I stop pouring mana into it and there floats a water cube.
A sudden thought hit me as I was a place to aim at with the cube; Can I cast multiple spells using the indicator right now? A good skill to look into for my survival, but I think Dethye will be a little suspicious if I suddenly start casting multiple chantless magic as soon as I learn it. Given my capabilities I’ve shown for the past years.
And so I continued to practice after what seemed like hours, along with some mistakes here and there. Recovering physically from a mana discharge I hear the familiar sounds of clacking and clangs. I quickly said farewell to Dethye, grabbed my sword and backpack under the tree, and jogged to another training grounds, this time made for swordsmanship.
Reason why the sword training grounds have certain times they open is due to the noise it creates, since you can even hear echoes of clashes that reach even to the walls that surround the vast academy. A sense of panic rushes in since I was supposed to be there when the sword grounds opens.
Recalling the past once more, sword training today consists of practice swings to build up muscle memories, stamina, spars, and technique training. But that’s pretty much what we do everyday. As I stepped into the huge plain consisting of training logs, fighting rings, and oddly enough a stage to feature fights and duels from time to time. The sounds of clacks, clangs, and swoosh play rhythmically, like an assembly of drummers playing their own beat resulting in discord.
Furthermore, sounds of armor clacking are audible, and the occasional horse running by, adding more sounds. From the looks of it there’s probably around 200 students here training right now, all training in different styles, skills and psyche. I do believe I was told to meet up where the training dummies are at.
Walking towards the somewhat humanoid wooden dummies section I noticed a rather disorderly man swinging a longsword at a dummy. That man being Decius, a swordsmanship trainer, despite his looks he’s rather still young being 24.
From what I’ve heard from my family, Decius is stuck here because the higher ups wanted him to teach others to be like him, more than be on the frontline. Funny enough, his physique doesn’t suit his face, since given how friendly his face is, if you can ignore his expression that is. Soon enough Decius noticed me.
“There you are. You’re late to practice.”
“Sorry. I was busy practicing my magic and got caught up in the moment.”
“Decent excuse, now hurry up and grab out your sword”
I quickly set my backpack nearby and grabbed my sword and pulled it out of its sheath. The sword being a Claymore, along with some minor adjustment done to utilize my class of magic knight.
The change being an incantation is scribbled within its handle and blade, the handle used as a catalyst to use a strengthening spell. As for the blade, it holds an air blade spell, used for projectile or sharpening the blade.
I walked to the spot Decius held, readied my stance for a downward slash and swing. A loud scratch was audible as the sword carves into the dummy, along with that Decius made a comment shortly after.
“Use more of your body, not your arms to swing”
I swing again, this time I use more of my torso to control the blade. Another cut was made upon the dummy, this time more quicker and cleaner than before, but it quickly disappears as it mends itself. As I readied again, another comment came from Decius.
“Good job, now keep doing that while changing positions so you can control the blade better.”
Listening to what Decius has to say I changed my position to a diangle upward cut this time and swing once more. Then I just moved angles after every swing, trying my best to get used to the eight angles along with feeling the blade. After what it seems like I set down a steady pace, did Decius cut in with a suggestion.
“Now then, let’s go to the sparring arenas.”
Without an answer out of me, Decius decided to head towards the arenas. I hastily sheath the claymore, then grab my backpack so I can follow him. Following him and seeing his back reminds me of when he went to our house with my brother to hang out. I was still around a child when I followed the duo since I had nothing better to do.
Decius had the complete opposite look he has now. He was more outgoing and caring, but when it came to him joining the military with my brother, he started to change. I didn’t see him much then so I couldn’t tell, but something happened to make him change.
As I recall my history with Decius, we suddenly arrive at the sparring arenas. There’s only about three of them, all in the shape of a large circle, made with enough room to take eight strides in. Currently though, all of them are used by individual students who came here to train with their friends.
All of them producing clacking sounds as they clash against each other with their wooden sword. Trying their best to knock the other one down or they’re trying out new techniques on a person rather than a dummy.
“Alright. We’re going somewhere else to spar then.”
Decius quickly turned around to head off somewhere, and I quickly followed suit like a newborn duckling. Oddly enough, the sparring arenas weren't all used last time. Maybe everything I’ve been doing is a lot quicker than before. I guess I’ll need to keep a better track of my surroundings if I can.
“We’re here”
Not expecting to arrive at our destination so quickly, I almost slammed into Decius’ back if it weren’t for the space we had while walking. Looking at the surroundings it’s at the side of a track made to improve one's stamina. I noticed a group running together just on the opposite side of us and another with armor behind them. Staring off into partially nowhere a wooden sword lands near my feet.
“Let’s go”
Turning around I saw Decius already had a wooden sword holding it with both of his hands. He then later moved into a laxed formation, his legs slightly apart paired with a weak handling on the sword. I honestly didn’t see him pick up any wooden sword on our way here, but I guess I must’ve missed it due how absentminded right now. I picked up the sword and headed towards Decius to get in position. On my way I asked a question to confirm what I should do.
“So, how are we doing this?”
“Try to strike me down”
That’s… quite odd. I rather remember that Decius and I practiced more or so on blocking strikes. The change must’ve been in the fact that we’re not able to spar in the arena, which probably made him irritated. However, as much as I'd like to beat my teacher in a one-on-one fight, I can’t, even after three years of training. Decius skills are no joke ally or foe.
“Hopefully I’ll manage to do that, Decius.”
“Begin”
I quickly stepped into range, using my full strength and speed to overwhelm Decius on the first strike. As expected he blocked my attack as a large clack noise ranged out. I quickly try to step out of range only to have the sword lightly graze my shoulders. Even with the first initiative and strength the swing wasn’t enough to disrupt him whatsoever.
As Decius’ sword swung past me, I aimed my sword at his chest, ready for a jab instead. When I start enacting my plans, a sharp pain erupts at my right side ribs. I suddenly gasped for air, with my vision going blurry I dropped on the ground. As I lie on the ground desperately trying to breath a wave of numbness and pain is present where the impact was at.
“Good start, but you didn’t pay attention to my sword after that one swing”
“Seri...ous..ly...tha...hur…”
“Quit whining and do it again”
A hand appeared in my vision, I grabbed it weakly and Decius pulled me back up. Trying to regain my breath, I finally reached to grab the wooden sword from the ground, ready to spar again. This time fully aware to keep an eye out on the sword. He must’ve changed his handling to quickly recover from that somewhat missed swing.
“About time. Ready?”
“Ready”
“Begin”
I start off aggressive once more by stepping into range and striking Decius, which he blocks once more. Then stepping out range, expecting to defend against Decius' swing this time. Sure enough the swing comes again.
The sword went on by as I managed to deflect the blow, but not without a slight numbing sensation after feeling the impact. Seizing upon this chance, I step close to Decius before he switches direction, readying a jab that should’ve been successful before.
I managed to pull it off successfully, feeling the impact when I struck his shoulders. After the strike I quickly readjusted the sword in order to cut him across wanting to follow upon the initiative. Just as I thought I could pull it off for once in a lifetime, the world turned sideways followed by a hard impact on my head against the ground. As I lie on the ground once more is a combination of shock, dizziness, and a reintroduction of an old friend, pain.
Lying on the ground once more, I try to recollect myself, trying to understand what just happened. I’m sure I did it properly, what went wrong? After lying on the ground until I felt better, I finally got up. Using my right leg to stand myself up, a sudden soreness and pain comes from my calf. The answer hit me, Decius did a kick sweep with an impact of a log. I’m honestly surprised that none of my body broke during that kick.
“I thought we were only using our swords to fight.”
“You will be killed with that mindset, now get ready”
Recalling back to the “past today” He definitely didn’t seem to be this cold when it came to that day’s practice. The only memorable practice we did was me trying out a set of moves that can combine with magic casting, utilizing my class to its extent.
I take in a deep breath then exhale as I get ready for another match that’ll end up me writhing in pain. Maybe this time I should take it on defensively, but with the power and skill Decius has, it’ll be near impossible to pull off. The chances will be low, but I might as well try it.
“Ready?”
“Yes”
“Begin”
This time I decided to be on the defensive rather than offensive. There was a good moment of silence as we both tried to anticipate each other's moves, and before I knew it Decius closed in. A sensation of sudden shock that made my hands numb which is followed by a gust of wind shortly after.
Before Decius can do anything else I hastily manage to regain my composure and grip as I try to attack him. I do a downward slash, as for my true intentions with it is to change it into an attack on the legs, making it somewhat of a J curved direction. The attack struck him, but I would need to-
CRACK
What. What just happened? Where did the sound… The practice sword, it’s broken. Just. How? Is Decius that strong enough to break it? Or was it weak in the first place?
“That’s it for training”
“What? That’s it? You just beat me up, break the wooden sword, and call it a day?”
“Yes, dismissed”
“Wha-”
Decius seems more and more cold when I see him. Time loop or no time loop. This time practice deviated too much for my liking, the reason being is that the “future” I know of might be completely different as well. Wait, I can just not go on the date and ditch Nanako! Then I won’t be kidnapped and tortured! Wonderful plan!
But then, I would need to confront the truth or else it won’t sit well with me.
“Oh yeah, Decius.”
“What.”
“What do I do with the wooden sword?”
“Just, leave it.”
“Really? If you say so.”
Dropping the bottom half of the practice sword, I then turned around to pick up my belongings. When I grabbed my backpack I heard a big sigh escape out of Decius' mouth, he sure must have it tough doesn’t he? Wishing him luck with dealing with the broken sword, I start to walk towards the start of my Hell.
I’m still having that one second doubt that I should go on the so-called date we’re going to have. But what kind of boyfriend would I be if I left her hanging? Oh wait! She’s the exact person who slowly killed me, painfully. Or maybe I’m just scared of finding out the truth of whether she loves me or not. I’m scared of both but mostly the latter.
I look around at my surroundings once more. There’s quite a handful of people
at the academy’s park, ranging from couples to people working out to naturalist to loners. And I happen to fall into that last category right now as I stare at people on this bench. It's honestly quite a weird sensation. Me, knowing I’m waiting here so I can face the truth and possibly get kidnaped, so I can get tortured all over again.
A sigh escapes my mouth as I watch as people and leaves pass by. This is probably the last moment where I can get this kind of peace before the chaos that’ll ensue even if I die and start again. Suddenly my vision is obscured followed by a soothing voice that somehow brings me chills.
“Guess who?”