"A Lojius' ability to influence the mind stands as one of their weaker facets," Rinus, the illusionary spells teacher, explained. "This is especially true when the target is another Lojius, as their familiarity with such spells makes them more resilient to illusions."
As Rinus continued his explanation, Dariu, seated next to Naylu as usual, struggled to stay awake. His late-night journey to the library had deprived him of a full night's sleep, and now he was paying the price for it.
Resting his elbow on the table and propping his chin up with his right hand, Dariu's eyes gradually drooped shut.
"Dariu!" Naylu whispered.
"Humm?"
"Focus!"
"Can't... Too sleepy..."
"You don't want the teacher to see you dozing off mid-session."
"Not breaking any rule."
Also, illusionary spells do not work on beasts, Dariu remarked, they are no use to me against Basilisk.
Although I do need to learn them to pass this class' test or else I won't even get to confront Basilisk...
Darn it... I must open my eyes...
Open them...
OPEN YOUR DAMN EYES!
"Magnus!" Rinus' shout jolted Dariu, who quickly lifted his head and opened his eyes.
"Would you like to volunteer?"
"Uh..." Confused, Dariu struggled to find his words.
With a snap of his fingers, Rinus caused the shackles on Dariu's legs to release.
"Do not be shy. Please, join me," Rinus urged warmly.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
After a brief moment of hesitation, exchanging concerned glances with Naylu, Dariu rose from his seat and descended the stairs, joining Rinus at the front of the classroom, where they faced the rest of the students.
"What I am about to demonstrate is the most fundamental of the Raiku spells, Nuraiku," he addressed the class, turning to Dariu, "its purpose is to manipulate a single specific element in the target's vision, replacing it with your desired imagery."
Rinus then extended his arms towards Dariu.
"Now I am going to replace my own image with... let's say.. headmaster Hapla," he stated before he began incantating,"Shura Panu Rayna."
Sparkles of Lojia began to glow and dance around Rinus' fingers as he performed the hand movements.
"Nuraiku," he concluded, causing Dariu's eyes to turn light blue for a few moments before they reverted to their original color.
In disbelief, Dariu blinked rapidly, as if trying to clear his vision. In place of Rinus now stood the headmaster before his very eyes. It seemed as though Rinus had transformed his appearance to resemble him.
This is unbelievable, he thought to himself, my mind knows this is not Kornos, yet my eyes are so easily deceived.
"Well then, Magnus, would you kindly share what you're currently seeing with your classmates?"
Even his voice is the same as Kornos! This is not a simple trick of the eyes, but of the ears too apparently....
"I'm looking at the headmaster... The resemblance is uncanny, it is as if he truly is here."
"Please note that Nuraiku can only be cast inside of one's Arsha, if he's to move outside of my range, he will be freed from the spell," Rinus addressed the class.
"I have a question," Noah rose his hand.
"Yes?"
"Will the spell be nullified completely if he moves outside the Arsha, or will it reactivate once he's back within range?"
"It will be nullified, requiring you to cast it again. However, I don't advise doing so, as your opponent would already be aware of your tactic," Rinus cautioned.
"Can it be cast on more than one target at the same time?" Inquired Eva.
"Yes, it can. But that would take a huge amount of practice..."
The remaining time of the class quickly elapsed, signaling the end of yet another school day. As they left the castle, Dariu and Naylu made their customary way towards the giant boulder.
"So it really was Kornos in the flesh?!" Inquired Naylu, talking to Dariu who was seated cross-legged among the grass with his eyes shut.
"Not in the flesh. But yes, I really did see Kornos," he replied.
"That seems like a really useful spell, especially for an Arsha adept as myself."
"How about we focus on learning the Daishi spells first?" Dariu said with a grin on his face.
"Yes, right, of course," Naylu answered as he sat down facing his friend, "well then, what is that secret method you mentioned?"
"It's better if we wait for the others to arrive."
"Alright."
As they sat together in the grass, a gentle breeze stirred the blades, causing them to dance around the pair in peaceful silence.
"I wonder if I made the right decision," Dariu broke the silence, his gaze drifting upwards to the sky.
"What do you mean?"
"What I've acquired from the library is incredibly valuable, Naylu. I shouldn't just casually share it with others."
"But it's necessary, isn't? We can't possibly fight a group of Nayum adepts on our own."
"That's the thing, we can just... Avoid the confrontation."
"You mean escape?"
"Yes."
"And everyone else?"
Dariu looked away, exhaling heavily with a sigh.
"I don't want anyone to die, Naylu. But here... we're not expected to look out for each other."
Naylu remained silent for some time, then lowered his gaze.
"I have seen many deaths before, Dariu. It's unpleasant, it's ugly. I do not wish it upon anyone," he stated, "except maybe myself," he said with a smile.
"You suicidal maniac," Dariu giggled.
"As long as we're not compelled to take lives, I'd prefer to play a role in protecting them."
"You're too damn pure for this place, my friend."
"Friend?"
"Yeah... Friend."
Nayle drew a gentle smile on his face before shifting his gaze to the background, noticing something in the distance. Dariu glanced back and spotted Bartus approaching, accompanied by five other students.
"You know, one day it might be us or them," Dariu stated solemnly.
"I know."
"Will you be ready for it?"
"I... I don't know," he replied, "will you?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but if it came down to choosing between them or my village... I think you know what I'd pick," Dariu replied, his tone tinged with resolve.
The slight breeze quickly escalated into a strong wind, sweeping past Dariu's determined face and Naylu's slightly concerned expression.