Mateo and Beltrand is just sitting on the secured pile of logs in the middle of an open field. Waiting for Gilmore who just finishing few paperworks.

The two recieves a letter from Gilmore accepting their request and starting date. And now is the day where they're going to start improving themselves.

"Sir Gilmore is surely taking his time." Beltrand said as he was getting bored waiting.

"Stop complaining."

"I'm not complaining though. Anyways, what do you think these logs are doing here?" Beltrand asked, just finding anything to spend time with.

"Who knows. Maybe it's going to be used for a Log Cabin." Mateo's answer. He was uninterested on the topic.

"Log Cabin for what? There's already a mansion here." Beltrand says while pointing his thumb on the beautiful Vandril mansion from the distance.

"Maybe it's for the workers."

"But they already have a barracks inside the mansion." Beltrand's confused words.

"What if those those barracks are almost on max capacity. You know what, let's just ignore this nonsense." Mateo's answer.

"Ok fine. Geez, what a boore.",

The two stay silent for a while until Gilmore finally appears. He was walking towards Mateo and Beltrand.

"Sorry for the wait." Gilmore apologizes.

Mateo and Beltrand stand up.

"It's ok Sir Gilmore! We glad that we can finally start our training." Mateo's words full of appreciation and excitement.

"It's great to see both of you in high spirits. Ok then, let's start our training."

"Yes sir!" Beltrand shouts.

"Yes sir! What we should do Sir Gilmore?" Mateo asked.

Gilmore walks towards the logs behind Mateo and Beltrand. He puts his hand on it then look at the two with seriouness.

"You see these logs? I want both of you to carry all of these logs in the specified area marked there."

Gilmore points on a the direction where a pole with a red flag is located. The distance between them and the drop point is almost 100 meters.

Beltrand and Mateo's mouth gapes after hearing their task. Then they look again on the logs. The logs are huge! With diameter of 20+ inches and lenght of 4 meters each with total of 100 logs. The two looks to Gilmore again.

"S-sir... Are you s-serious?" Mateo repectfully asked as he was confused.

Mateo expected something like Gilmore giving them a harsher training from the start.

"Yes, I'm serious. One more thing. You can only lift these logs. If you try to take any shorcuts on this task... Forget about getting trained by me." Gilmore's very serious command.

"Gilmore..." Mateo wants to ask him but he refrains as his desire to get stronger makes him accept the confusing task.

"Good luck on your training. I'm going to visit you later." Gilmore says as she walks away, waving her hand.

Mateo and Beltrand just stare on the logs. Feeling overwhelmed by the oddity Gilmore assigned to them. Beltrand tries to lift one and to her surprise, the log is absurdly heavy that he quickly drops the log to the ground.

"Obviously we can't carry one each."

"Thanks Captain Obvious." Mateo's response.

"Ok then, how we should carry all of them?"

"Let's start by two of us lifting a log.",

Thus Beltrand and Mateo tries to life a single log. But despite their combined strenght, they still struggle to even put the log in their should.

"T-This is not a normal wood at all!" Mateo exclaims as he can feel the irregular weight of the log caving on his shoulder.

"T-t-this must be some e-e-xtreme species of h-hardwood." Beltrand replied.

Because of their uneven height. Beltrand carries most of the weight of the log. Beltrand and Mateo are already strong individuals due to their years of adventuring and fighting assortments of monsters.

But the task still manage to exhaust them. The duo only manages to bring 5 logs of woods on the transport area before they fall down. Feeling that their body is starting to give up, Mateo and Beltrand throws the log they carrying and lie down on the grass. Catching their breath.

"This... Is... Torture..." Beltrand complains.

"Y-yeah..." Mateo agrees.

"Let's take a short break and we just roll the logs one by one. It's impossible to lift all of them."

"You forgot that Gilmore would cancel this training if we did any sort of shortcuts." Mateo's reminder.

"It's fine. Nobody is watch...ing." Gilmore slow down his words when he notices the maid Juli just watching them from a distance.

"Do you still want to risk it all?" Mateo asked with a smug grin on his face.

"Ahhhhh!! Forget about it! Let's finish this!"

The two stands up and lifted the log the two thrown earlier. Mateo and Beltrand did the task until sunset, managing to only bring 12 logs before their body finally surrenders.

"I... Can't stand... Ouch..." -Beltrand.

"My... Whole... Body hurts..." -Mateo.

Juli calls Mateo and Beltrand, inviting them to the staff's dinner. The two stand up and wobbly walks towards the barracks where the maids, and other workers stay.

~~~~~~°~~~~~~

Claustrine is currently staying on Monica's house. Due to Grand Ecstasy declaring that all of them needs to become stronger. Every member decides to spend months training themselves. Each member are temporarily seperated which leads to Claustrine becoming Monica's student again and buying her service using the funds the Kingdom and Academia given to them as reward.

"Ok Claustrine. Do you know the 3 generations of magic?" Monica asked. The two of them just sitting while drinking tea.

"Yes. I already learned the Generation 1 and Generation 2 spellcasting but the Generation 3 is still baffles me as I have few knowledge about it." Claustrine answered.

"I can't blame you for not knowing Generation 3. The mages are very shady and learning about generation 3 is highly monitored.",

Claustrine nods in agreement with Monica.

"But as a refresher. Let's make a deep dive on Generation 1 and Generation 2 magic."

The two talks down about the history of Generation 1 and Generation 2 magic and it's complexity.

Generation 1 also known as "Deistic Spellcasting" or "Deistic Magic" is known as the longest and oldest among the three generations as according to the history of humanity, these form of magic is personally gifted by the Gods to the earlier civilizations who worships the god of their choice. Generation 1 is characterized by it's long incantations and very dramatic wordings as the power of said spells relies on the caster's devotion to the god who own the spells and the amount of Mana he can put to amplify it.

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The more powerful the Deistic spell, the longer the incantations and the higher the mana requirments is to the point of imposibility for a basic mage. Due to this limitations, only few weaker Deistic magics survives as the powerful variants from the past doesn't have overall versatility and got forgotten in the annals of time.

"I really wish other Gods have faithful believers as Vivvily." Claustrine says as she remembers the amount of Deistic magic Church of Vivvily manages to preserve.

"I feel you. Sadly, it seems that Vivvily is the more remarkble goddess in the past and it really shows." Monica agrees to Claustrine.

"But the good thing about humanity forgetting most of Deistic magic is we didn't really feel the castastrophe our ancestors experienced during the time where wars and gods are more active.

"Claustrine. I disagree as Generation 2 and Generation 3 as far as I known is still evolving. Given more time, human magic would probably reach the power Deistic magic have in the past."

.

.

.

Generation 2 is the start of "Human magic". Generation 2 magic consist of spells and arcane theories crafted by famous mages in the past. The most well known among them is Jhulzihar of the Heroes party, who created the pillars of what's known as the Academia today. These pioneers of Magic's books and theories is still used and studied to this day.

Generation 2 magic is characterized by chantless and practical spells as the magic requires memorization and manipulation of mana to conjure or control what the caster's desire.

But despite it's pressumed power, Generation 2 also have its limits in form of a single rule.

Materials created by magic will dissapear the moment the supply of mana is cut off. Generation 2 magic dissapears faster unlike Generation 1 magic forged by the God themselves.

This partnered by the intense mana requirements based on how powerful the spell is makes Generation 2 magic weaker but more compact and easier for the mages body. Theres still some powerful Generation 2 magic but it's only exclusive for the powerful and legendary mages as they're the only one that can cast these kind spells anyway.

Still, with Humanity's ingenuity. They managed to create the other side of Generation 2 in the form of "Manipulation magic."

Unlike it's creative counterpart. Manipulation magic relies on controlling the elements in the surroundings. From the very ground the mages stepping in to the any object like knives or stones. Manipulation magic are more mana efficient as the caster bypass the manacost of creating the object from scratch and maitaining its form.

"So that's Generation 1 and 2. Now lets finaly talk about Generation 3."

"Finally..."

"So Claustrine, what do you think is Generation 3 magic?" Monica asked which make Claustrine thinks for a while.

"I'm not sure but from what I can see, Generation 3 magic is more on freedom of magic expression as every Gen 3 magic I see is so different from each other."

Monica smiles...

"Exactly. That's one of the two main idiology of Generation 3 magic."

"What idiology?"

"The freedom of expression, the other one being imagination."

Monica points her finger upwards and in its tip, she conjures a small bubble made of Mana.

"Do you know why I used bubbles in my magic?" Monica asked Claustrine who just shakes her head.

"When I'm just a snotty kid. I really love to create bubbles using slime residue and watching them get blown by the wind."

Monica conjures more bubbles of different sizes and makes them float inside the room.

"It's pretty much childish thought of mine but these bubbles makes me remember good memories."

"So that's the story of your bubbles. But it doesn't explain why your bubbles explodes in variety of ways." Claustrine states her opinion while scratching her head. Monica chuckles.

"I understand your confusion."

Monica pops all of the bubbles except for one that still floating in the tip of Monica's finger.

Claustrine observes carefully and to her surprise, she see the bubble gets filled with a red smoke who suddenly appears inside the bubble.

"As you see Claustrine, our family belongs to a generation of Miners specialized in explosives. Aside from bubbles, cool explosions also caught my childhood awe everytime I watch father and her group blow up the mountainsides. It's a very exciting sight to behold." Monica winks.

"I like how it makes sense but also doesn't at the same time. Besides, what is the that red smoke?" Claustrine asked while also pointing on the the red bubble.

"Sorry Claustrine. It's a secret."

"I understand." Claustrine respects Monica's secrecy.

"But I can tell you that I conjured those smoke and the more mana I put on each bubble, the bigger and powerful the explosion is."

"And how you make the bubbles explode?"

"Simple. I just create a tiny spark inside the bubbles. That's enough to ignite the smoke and then... Boom..." Monica explained and ending it with her ethusiasticly make a hand motion mimicking an explosion. Claustrine chuckle on Monica's silly play.

"Beside the two main ideology of Generation 3. It's also cultivation of all of your magical knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of magic."

"Seems very complex." Claustrine shortly say before sipping in her coffee.

"It is. That's why the mages are still divided about Generation 3 magic. They say only gifted individuals are capable, others says that learning Generation 3 magic is just for bragging rights."

Monica looks on her reflection in the tea.

"While majority believes that learning 3rd gen magic it is just a huge nonsense due to the commitment, time and resources needed just to learn the bare minimum while Generation 1 and 2 magic is still viable and powerful."

"Maybe they're just jealous as they can't make a unique magic like yours."

"Perhaps..."

The two takes a sips on their tea.

"Despite all of what I said. Why you still want to learn about Generation 3 magic?" Monica asked. Claustrine put her cup on the table and her expression becomes serious.

"After our fight with Hero Glidel. We all promised to each other that we need to become stronger. And I believe learning Gen 3 magic is a way to achieve that."

Monica smiles...

"I understand... Then let's start by learning the minor mechanics. Be prepared because its going to be a long journey."

Claustrine smiles back with confidence.

"I'm ready."

~~~~~~°~~~~~~

3 days later...

"Good work." Gilmore watches the pile of logs Mateo and Beltrand carried. Behind him is the two panthing heavily as they lie down on the grassy field.

"M-my... b-body... Ugh..." Beltrand's exhausted words.

"I-i-it's finally o-over..."

Gilmore looked down on the two tired mess.

"Just rest a little bit and now return these logs on the spot you picked them."

Hearing what Gilmore says. Mateo and Beltrand's eyes becomes wide open

"B-but M-mr. Gilmore. Why?" Beltrand really wants to scream but his exhaustion prevents him for doing so.

The two slowly stand up. Their legs are shaking as they still didn't recover their strenght.

"No questions allowed. Just continue what I want you to do and I decide if its enough. Also, I would be gone for few days so just gonna leave this order to you. Once you bring all of the logs again, repeat it again and again. Understood?"

Watching Gilmore being serious makes the two gulps as they expect more brutal training, and it turns out they finally recieving it. When Gilmore finally excuse himself, the two slumped on the grass again.

"Bro. I think we going to die here... It's nice knowing you." Beltrand says with a blissful smile on his face.

"Come on! Don't be so overdramatic. Gilmore must have a reason for putting us on such task."

"I really wish that was the case. "

The two is interrupted by Juli bringing a basket full of snacks.

"Here's your snacks. Keep up the good work."

Juli place the basket in front of Mateo and Beltrand who quicly sits on the grass then she removes the cloth revealing assortment of mouth-watering treats.

"Wait a minute. Juli, why there's more snacks than before?" Mateo asked which make Juli smile softly.

"Consider it as a reward for completing your task." Juli smile and wink on the two. Unusual for her collected and reserve personality that she always show.

"Wow! Thanks a lot Juli!" Beltrand's genuined gratitude. Juli blushes a little bit and avoids her gaze on Beltrand.

"Don't mention it..."

Mateo invites Juli for a snacktime which she happily accepts. The three enjoys eating different food, from sandwhiches to cakes.

.

.

.

Two weeks gone by.

"Bro! There's no way for you to defeat my huge lead!" Beltrand shouts as he was running holding a log on his shoulder.

"Don't be so confident Bro! I can bypass your lead! Just wait!" Mateo is also running behind Beltrand, holding a log of his own.

"Good luck on that!"

Several days ago, the two can't barely even lift one log and each log makes them rest real quick.

But now, the two easily lift log of their own, even running as they race each other on who can bring more logs.

And the match ended. On the 100 logs, Beltrand carried 62 which declare him the winner.

"Hehehe it's time for your punishment Mateo..."

Mateo gulps as he stand firm and brace himself. Beltrand is behind him, brushing both of her palms to each other.

"Come on! Do it!" Mateo screams, trying his best to endure it as he act brave.

But it takes longer than usual, Mateo is confused.

"What taking you so long!?"

"You know bro. I'm just wondering if I can make a move on Juli?" Beltrand ponders to himself.

"Eh?" Mateo's preparedness is replaced by confusion.

And at that moment, Mateo already felt the hyper-velocity slap Beltrand gives to her asscheek. Mateo jumps out of pain and rolls on the grass, touching the recieving cheek.

"Aw! Ouch! Wooo! Tang inaaa!"

"Hahahahaha! Caught you off-guard don't you?" Beltrand is laughing in Mateo's pain.

"You son of a-!!!" Mateo screams.

At the far distance. Gilmore and Juli are just confused on the event that transpired.

"And how long did they doing such challenge?" Gilmore asked Juli.

"It started 3 days ago sir. On my count, Beltrand wins 13 times while Mateo wins 7 times."

"Do you really need to write down such information?"

"Sorry sir. I just think that you might find such information amusing."

"Well.. you're right. But I'm surprised on the pace of their development. To think that they can achieve such growth in such short amount of time."

"What's your estimate sir?" Juli asked.

"I expected that it might take two months before they finish the task with ease like this."

Gilmore walks inside the house while Juli follows him.

"Sir Gilmore. What's your next course of action?" Juli asked

"I'm just going to observe them for a while and see if they're now suitable for Phase 2 of the training."

"Understood..." Juli nods.

"Juli, I'm farmished. Bring me some good snacks."

"Juli bows gracely then leaves. Gilmore just watched the two on the window as they have another run of carrying absurdly heavy logs."

And the next day. When the two is in the middle of lifting logs. Gilmore approach them,

"Mateo, Beltrand."

The two stops and looked on Beltrand. Still holding their own log.

"You can stop lifting those logs now. Just throw them aside."

Mateo and Beltrand follow Gilmore's order and just casually throw the logs which is so heavy that it implanted itself on the ground for 2 inches.

"What's the matter Sir Gilmore?" Mateo asked. Curious and excited on what Gilmore is going to say.

"I believe it's time for you to begin Phase 2 out of 3 of your training. I warning you, it's going to be difficult." Gilmore's grim warning. Instead of getting scared, the two have confident look on their eyes.

"Bring it on Sir Gilmore!" Both of them speaks with ethusiasm.

"But before that. I give you 3 days of rest. Use that to regain your strenght." Gilmore's final words before he walks away. Leaving Mateo and Beltrand celebrating.

As they finally get their well deserve rest.