Chapter Forty-Eight: School Life

Amalia’s class was taught in a large classroom with a huge open area. She opened by having students run laps, do push-ups, do ab crunches, and do various other exercises.

“Now we will see where you’re at. Everyone pick up a training sword and pair up.”

Ash noticed that Mina and Torin were in this class. The two did not appear to like one another in the least. Torin’s face would morph into an open sneer whenever his gaze landed on her or Ash’s.

Torin was very popular with the elves. There were only four in class, but each one of them gravitated toward Torin and seemed to shun Mina. Ash would have felt bad for her, except she acted so aloof to everyone else. He groaned internally when he was the only one left for her to partner with.

“The rules are simple. No techniques, elar is acceptable. Three touches, and you lose. Begin.”

Mina wasted no time attacking him, but without her techniques, she had to actually engage Ash, who could read her like a book. He saw her feint, and easily countered it. Her eyes flashed with frustration, and she came at him again, but she may as well have been telling him exactly what she was going to do before she did it. He countered again, created some distance between them with some footwork, and then he went after her with Falling Snow Dragon.

She hadn’t been expecting it, and Ash succeeded in landing a cut to her side as she tried to avoid it, but couldn’t move fast enough.

“Light,” Ash heard her swear under her breath.

She blurred toward him, pulling more elar, but all he had to do was use more of his own elar to match her, and he fended her off just as easily as before.

Mina had talent, but she was no match to Ash without her technique. A few exchanges later, and he had succeeded in landing three touches.

“Again!” She demanded.

Ash shrugged, and they crossed blades once more.

After he won, she insisted on a third round before Amalia called an end to class.

The elf stormed out of the classroom in a haughty rage. Torin snickered,

“Serves her right being a shashti lover.”

Ash turned to Torin, raising an eyebrow,

“If you’d like to pair up with me next time, I’m sure you could demonstrate to her how much better you are, Torin. Or was our last duel too humiliating for you?”

Torin scowled, growling under his breath, he walked out.

Alchemy class was below the east tower, winding stairs seeming to wind down into the earth’s bowels. Many different alchemy stations had been set up, and Ash found that Rosalia was taking this class.

Stolen story; please report.

She crushed him with a hug, her green eyes bright with excitement.

“Ash! It’s so good to see you, I am so happy we have a class together!”

They spent some time talking, with Ash telling her about what he had been up to, leaving out his plans for the inn and the little girl, Holly. He wasn’t trying to lie; he just wanted to wait until he had more information first.

In this class, the Master went over the basics of things he had already come to know. But there was something the Master said that stuck with him.

“Alchemy is more than measuring and using the right level of heat. It is an art. Each ingredient has its effects, but how do you combine them? That is the art.”

At first, Ash was confused by that statement. His understanding of alchemy was straightforward: Use the listed ingredients in a recipe, the correct heat, and viola, potion, or oil.

He raised his hand, and when called on, Ash asked,

“Wouldn’t experimenting like that be dangerous? You can’t know what the resulting potion might do, or the oil for that matter.”

Master Alchemist nodded,

“This is why many animals, such as rodents or even captive monsters, are used in alchemical experiments.”

Rosalia’s mouth dropped open, eyes widening.

“That’s horrible! Those animals are living things!”

“I see. Have you used a health potion before? Or perhaps seen one used?”

Rosalia crossed her arms.

“Yes.”

Master Alchemist nodded,

“How do you think those were created, young woman?”

Rosalia’s face went pink, her eyes narrowing, but she said nothing.

Master Alchemist nodded.

“I thought so. You aren’t entirely wrong, young lady. It is morally questionable what an alchemist must do for the art, but there is good that comes of it.”

In Dungeon Lore, Ash discovered that Mina, and Torin both were also in this class. Master Delver, the older woman from before, was in front of the class. It was the smallest classroom he had been in, and the most comfortable. There were several others in the class.

“Today, you will be picking parties of four. This group of people will be who you sit with in the classes going forward, and how you perform with them will be integral to your grade. Choose now, and choose well.”

Students exchanged glances, and the shuffling began. Ash didn’t know anyone, so no one asked to group with him. Torin was with four other elves, and Ash was left with two elves, and a human boy. One of the elves was Mina, looking sullen to be a part of the group, hazel eyes flinty, and the other elf was a woman with hair like a black cloud on a stormy day.

Her features were as smooth and round as river stone. Her green eyes caused Ash to think of grass on a rainy day on the farm.

The other boy was ordinary in every way. Features plain, hair plain brown, plain clothes, plain everything. He was forgettable, and didn’t seem to care to speak.

“Now that you have a party, choose a name and a party leader. I will be recording it.”

Ash looked around at his new companions,

“Any ideas? Also, I’m Ash by the way. Ash Lorcan.”

Mina crossed her arms,

“You already know my name.”

“Yes. But do the others?”

The other elven girl nodded,

“Lira Moami, and yes, I know her.”

The other boy shrugged,

“Darrune Al’Smith.”

“What do you think we should name ourselves?” Ash asked.

“Nightshade!” Lira stated, grinning.

“Dusk Guard,” Mina said immediately.

“How about Eventide Knights?”

Everyone exchanges glances, with Lira’s expression souring.

Before anyone could voice a complain, Ash held up a hand.

“How about we vote? All in favor for Nightshade?”

Lira raised a hand. When no one else did, she crossed her arms with a huff, pouting.

“Dusk Guard?”

Mina raised a hand. She didn’t pout when no one else did, but her she did look briefly disappointed.

“Eventide Knights?”

This time, Ash, Darrune and Lira raised a hand.

“It’s decided then. Now, who should lead us?”

Everyone looked at one another, and then pointed right at him.

“Why me?”

Lira spoke up,

“You’ve kinda been leading since we sat down, Blue. Besides, I won’t tolerate Mina being in charge. Darrune here clearly doesn’t want it, either.”

Ash fought off a groan.

Oh. Fantastic, I guess this is happening, then, Ash thought with a sigh.