“Now, after forming a team, I want everyone to group up and follow me outside. I’ll also introduce you to the other instructor and have the first class on basic hand-to-hand combat. We will take the fundamentals of arcane magic tomorrow morning.”

Now, everyone’s eyes are gleaming with great expectation! It’s the first day and missing their morning class was quite a disappointment. But hearing that they will have their martial arts class in the afternoon have brighten up their mood and already having thoughts about showing off to catch the higher ups’ attention. They say, “first impression last”, so for the sake of a good impression, everyone was eager to showcase their power to garner more attention giving them a lead against other students.

After arriving at the training field, everyone saw a lot of people practicing with different kinds of weapons. At the far-right corner was a man wearing a brown armor. It’s different from Armira’s fiery-red one which made out from condensing great amount of mana. This one’s filled with runic patterns, just like Wilfrid’s fire sword artifact. Artifacts function like soul arms but rather on a lower level compared to the latter meaning, weapons made out of mana has greater potency and defensive capabilities, easier to control but rather mana consuming. Against artifacts, which only needs mana the instant it is used, it has no other advantages. It may be powerful but against those with great skills and prefers a battle of attrition, a knight mage might find themselves on a rather tight spot.

Maron Basselt, one of the greatest battle mages of the empire prefer using artifacts than condensing a mana armor due to this very reason. Lots of knight mages prefer this kind of set up but powerful ones would still condense mana armors out of convenience from lack of maintenance.

Unlike soul arms too, mana armors don’t have special offensive skills but has defensive advantages against attacks of the same element and sometimes nullifies attacks from its opposing elemental counterpart. For example, water and fire counters each other while wind could barely scratch earth but cause it to weather in the long run. Different elements have their strength and weaknesses.

“Now, now. Listen everyone. Though we’re going to tackle about combat techniques and weapon handling, I will also talk about soul ring and armatization, soul arms and other stuffs. Carol will teach you about spells that can be cast during battles so please listen pay to every bit of details and information, okay?”

This guy. He looks brawny but gives off that smart and dependable vibe. Guess this place really teems with capable individuals!

“Sir knight mage, why are you wearing an artifact?” Out of wonder, a student asked.

“Aren’t battle mages capable of forming mana armor?” Glossing over this matter, everyone harped in unison.

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He’s quite famous within the empire. Many have seen him in his mana armor that’s why they are wondering why did such a great knight only wearing an artifact instead of mana armor.

“Well, you guys still need a lot to learn. Me wearing a normal armor artifact is very common. Aside from battles, we only use that during royal ceremonies to show our respect and allegiance to the emperor. Also, it’s not that easy to maintain its form. From the name itself, that kind of armor needs constant infusion of mana and now that I will only be teaching, that would be inconvenient.” Maron explained.

“Now, I believe action speaks louder than words so as an introduction, show me your skills!” Clapping his hands, Maron called everyone to bring out their weapons, combat and highest-tiered magic skills.

Aiming at the practice dummies, everyone began chanting their most powerful spells.

“Hmmm, this batch look quite promising.”

“Yeah, just as you said. In particular, the princess and some nobles do look quite versed with the highest, low-tier skills. Look! That’s quite a strong attack.”

“Yeah! That burst from the princess is a level three fire spell. Oh, she’s summoned her sword arms. Wait! That one with another soul arms. A war hammer! Is that rumble? Another level three earth spell.”

Carol and Maron are musing over these students. Claud, on the other hand, brought out his two short sword arms.

“Twilight cross!” A binary combination elemental-sword skill of light and dark elemental attributes.

“Oh, that kid got some moves! Who is he?” Wondering, Maron couldn’t help but ask.

“His name’s Claud. Familiar with the Ashwell’s? I think he’s from that family.”

“Yeah, it’s been almost a decade. Too bad, the culprits were unknown. Got any idea Carol? You’re neighbors, right?”

“Nah, got nothing in my mind. When that happened, I was already here as an apprentice. I didn’t payed it any mind. Our kingdoms could be neighbors but there’s a lot of town to cross and mountains to climb before reaching each other’s territories.”

“Yeah, I know. So where did he come from?”

“From Belanore, or so I heard. The kingdom of Ashcalon was left with no heir. Either the royals were missing or dead.”

“But is it true that many of them were able to escape and made it to your kingdom?”

“Yup. But they were too afraid to come back. Fearing that the enemies might return. So, the kingdom was divided into different nobles, making the once top Noble Guardian Family crumble and fall.”

“But before, they were so powerful yet very mysterious. It is said that they weren’t just powerful knights but has deep understanding about forgery. Their greatest pride was the ring of origin, a soul ring capable of harnessing all kinds of magic affinity. They say it was specifically made for their royal lineage and only the descendants of the throne can wield it.”

“But they only had one child and no one knows if he’s still alive or where is he. Even the king and queen were missing.”

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(Somewhere in an abandoned house in the capital outskirts)

“Did you found it?”

“Not yet. We’ve been looking for it for years. That ring should’ve been found already. Where’s the mother?”

“Still got no clue boss.”

“And you? Have you really searched the ruins thoroughly!? Master is running out of patience. Keep searching! We should get it or else we’re the ones to die first.”