“Come over here.” Fieluri’s small figure waved at Airen down one of the many endless aisles of the Archive. “Why are you so slow!?”
“I don’t exactly float around like you do.” Airen panted as he raced to catch up to Fieluri. “And why don’t you just bring me with you using magic? It’ll save us both the trouble.”
“You need to work on your endurance.” Fieluri replied, laughing.
“Where are you taking me? If it’s another of your strange collections again-” Airen grumbled.
“How rude! If you’re going to speak like that, then I may as well refrain from giving you a lesson. Hmph!”
“What kind of lesson?”
“One on history.” Fieluri smiled eerily. “Are you not curious how your world came to be?”
“Jourmind taught me-”
“He has taught you little of importance. Why, from what I scoured from your memories, he only taught you the bare basics and was more of a practical man.”
“Fine. Fine. There’s no harm in knowing more,” Airen mimicked Fieluri’s voice. “That’s what you told me, so just give it to me.”
“Since when were you so audacious and cheeky?”
“I learn only from the best.” Airen replied smugly.
“You know me too well. Here we are, have a look Airen.”
Airen turned in the direction Fieluri was gesturing, and what he saw astounded him. A giant mural that was six times his height was encased behind a glass case. To his left and right it continued to trail into the distance, going as far as the eyes could see.
“This is something I have been working on for a length of time that you cannot even begin to fathom.” Fieluri said wistfully as she ran a hand along the glass. “Now listen closely Airen, and do not interrupt me. This is a once in a lifetime, no-, the first time a single human will gain such comprehension of their origins and ancestors. For the sake of keeping things simple, I’ll forgo names, but remember that this is merely a summary as each era ended and the next began. ”
“In the beginning or, at least the beginning of the start of mankind, the lands were ruled by beasts and primitive creatures your kind would call…monsters.” Fieluri pointed to the beginning of the mural. “It was at best, a dark and dreary world where only the strong survived. Your kind would hide and flee, for it was a time where tooth and fang ruled, and magic was non-existent. It was at that time, the Spirits from the realm of Ava Na Isla, opened a portal to your world.”
“They were… beings of pure elemental energy. And for reasons of their own, they decide to bestow bits of their power to the beings of this world. It was then the world learned of fire, water, wind, and earth, and magic was bestowed to the humans, and through mutation and adaptation, magical beasts came into existence. The strongest of spirits would take forms of humans and magical beasts and for reasons unknown to many, guide them. It is a pity however, for there were few humans that mastered those spirit’s special ‘song magic’- said to be the voice of the world.”
“A short golden era began as both beasts and humans rapidly advanced in intelligence. The Spirits taught the humans and magical beasts to commune in a common tongue, and a truce was formed as boundaries were drawn. With the threat of attacks from magical beasts removed, the human population began to grow and even thrive. But at the same time, unrest started to grow. As the humans tapped into the world’s riches, they yearned for what others had, and what they lacked. Great wars broke out and millions of your kind died, and thus ended the era of the Spirits as they gave up and started returning to their own world.”
“Their departure triggered a deep sense of loss. They were the beings that provided a source of magic to your world, and now, that was gone. The petty wars ended as the humans struggled to find a replacement. With the departure of the spirits and as the eras continued, a majority of humans could no longer speak with the magical beasts. Little did they did know that the magical beasts blamed them for the disappearance of the Great Spirits.“ Fieluri continued down the moral, where giant humanoid figures towered over humans.
“To maintain the order of the world, the greatest of humans united and created giant titans, imbuing them with the fading traces of magic. Such was the era of the Ancients. Upon each wandering titan was a human city, and they were both a means of protection from the beasts, and ways to maintain magic in the world. For a time, the humans were content again in their own little worlds, having created a cycle to maintain their livelihoods.”
“Yet it was not to last. The Ancients were indeed a marvel, but at the same time, they drew the ire of the magical beasts for destroying their homes and environment. Places Fire Ancients walked would become devoid of water, for entire oceans would dry at their presence. Places Wind Ancients flew too would tear the trees and ground asunder, ruining ancient homes of magical beasts. Places Water Ancients surged would be flooded, causing lakes and even oceans to form. Places Earth Ancients tunneled would create deep chasms and raise mountains. And in their rage, and accompanied by the final departure of the Spirits, the magical beasts gathered together and attacked.”
“Thus started the Era of Dragons.” Fieluri walked down the display and pointed at the next part of the mural. “The skies were covered with wingbeats of dragons, and even the Ancients could not defend themselves against the endless onslaught. They toppled to the ground, and all of their amassed elements leaked forth into the fabric of the world, into humans and beasts alike. Despite their anger at the humans, the magical beasts honored their pacts and borders, and let some live. For a long time, dragons became new rulers of the world.”
“If ye seek power, worship the dragon. That was the new way mankind decided to live, and while some of the dragons regarded humans with contempt and disgust, some were righteous rulers. In time, they adopted human forms and taught them many things, from valuing the environment, to different forms of magic not related to the spirits- mutations of a sort. But after an incident of clashing ideals and zealous devotion, the dragon counsel agreed that for the best of both worlds, they must hide themselves from the world.” Fieluri patted the glass where thousands of humans prayed before a dragon, and two meters down, figures of dragons flying into the distance.
“The next era to come was known as the Age of Empires. Your kind built great nations that encompassed more than half the world, taking care not to tread into the domains of the magical beasts. Well, most of them did at least, those that were foolish enough to trespass millenium-old borders would disappear overnight. This was a golden time for humans, where trade prospered and new forms of magic coming into existence as mages experimented. At its peak, new elements were founded every few weeks, but magic is a dangerous thing, Airen, especially unrefined spatial travel. Some people wished to see what became of the spirits or dragons but instead opened portals to other worlds.”
“First came the winged beings from the world of Valru. They were the ones that brought holy and light magic to your world, and were well accepted too, thanks to their ability to heal others. Then came the fey beings from Isthtov, who heralded darkness and shadow magic. And thus another war began, and as humans began to be dragged into their war, all of your kind’s greatest mages gathered to close the portals to the other worlds. In a heroic feat of valor and sacrifice, they forced the portals closed, and in precaution, started to purge their libraries and books. A lot of forbidden knowledge was lost in the upcoming years, and even the name of this age was lost to many. But as a secret, I’ll let you know that it was called the Era of Strife.”
“In the next few thousand years, the world began to stabilize itself. Countries came and fell, sometimes at the hand of humans, sometimes at the hand of beasts, and sometimes at the hands of half-bloods. From what I know, it was a time of heroes and heroines, where individuals fought to mold the world. It is here, in this Age of Heroes, where I consider to have my greatest achievements, and as well as my greatest failures.”
“And then, we are here, in your time.” Fieluri stopped, the mural now a blank slate. “...Which I plan to name the Age of-, well, wouldn’t you like to know.”
“...I thought you told me you were only twenty-three years old.” Airen scowled.
“This body is indeed twenty three years old.” Fieluri scoffed.
“I don’t mean to be rude, Fiel. But what are you?”
“How about we play a game, Airen?” Fieluri smiled in her familiar and mischievous way. “I will let you take a guess, and I will tell you if you are right or wrong. To make this interesting, I will answer your guess once a year.”
“Once a year?” Airen’s expectations instantly dropped. Fieluri was not one to divulge information easily, and even trying to get a straight answer out of her was a nigh impossible task.
“And you get one guess now. Of course, I will give you a hint.”Fieluri snickered. “Your hint is the mural itself.”
Airen gazed on the mural, and then behind him, where the mural stretched on for at least a kilometer. Through the strange spatial magic of the Archive, they had somehow traversed the entire length of it.
“Are you a magical beast that has taken human form?” Airen offered, remembering what Fieluri told him the first they met.
“Nope. Not even close.” Fieluri chuckled. “I said your kind would call me a Divine Beast, not that I was.”
“Then are you-”
“Once a year, Airen. Once a year.” Fieluri waved a finger. “Also, you should go back soon. I believe dawn is coming, and you have classes soon.”
“How do you even know that when you are always cooped up in here?”
“You have some nerve questioning a Keeper of Knowledge.” Fieluri scoffed and snapped her fingers. “And for your information, I am not cooped up in here all the time. I like to take walks occasionally.”
“You? Take walks?” Before Airen could roll his eyes at her words, A rift opened in front of him, and Airen’s soul was sent back to his body.
----------------------------------------
“This is where we part, my class is that way.” Eullina pointed on another fork in the road, one of many. All around them students were hurrying around since it was dangerous to be late in a military academy.
“I’ll see you at dinner.” Airen waved. Compared to Eullina’s long lectures on magic application and usage, all of Airen’s classes were weapons based and operated… a bit differently, or at least so he was told. He followed the crude map Eullina had drawn him and walked towards the archery arena, where there was already a crowd of people gathered. Some were standing in a line, and others were scattered all over the place, speaking among themselves. Going along with his gut, Airen took the next spot in the line.
“You’re a smart one, young blood.” The large, and burly men next to Airen mumbled under his breath.
“What do you mean-”
“Quiet!” Airen’s neighborhood hissed, and stood up straight with feet together. Airen followed his example as he traced his gaze towards the distance, where a group of men and women were approaching, with a cart behind them. As they came closer, Airen could make out the ornate military uniforms they wore, the standard apparel of soldiers of the Red Slate Republic.
“Atten-shun!” One of the officers shouted, and the line of veteran students held their right hands over their heart. After a moment of hesitation, the new students that were on the line also did the same. The ones that weren’t quickly scrambled into the line, some pushing between others.
“New blood. No respect at all!” A bearded man spat. “Get your ass to the back of the line!” His loud voice boomed around them, and the new students quickly followed. He waved a hand and the soldiers… or more likely slaves, dragged the wagon next to him, and then ran into the distance carrying what appeared to be targets.
“Some of you old students still seem to be here.” The man shouted as he gazed at the veteran students. “Good! Now as for you new blood….”
The man walked down the line, staring down the younger ones like a wolf at a rabbit. Airen quickly noted that the man had a deep scar on his face, just like Loys.
“You like what you see laddie?” The one-eyed instructor scowled at Airen. “Even if I got one eye, that’s more than enough for you sorry maggots. What say you?”
“Yes sir. Thank you sir!” Airen shouted back. Never be intimidated or show fear to your enemy. That was one of the things that Keri had ‘literally’ beaten into him.
“Bit of fire in ye isn’t there. Better not be all talk and bite.” The man scowled and continued down the line, checking out the new recruits.
“You scum are absolutely unexceptional!” The man roared out at the assembled students once he finished, returning to this front. “Listen up runts! I am not going to repeat myself! And you veteran students, keep your filthy disgusting ears open too even if you’ve heard this a hundred times!”
“This is Stonewall Academy, the Red Slate Republic’s largest military training facility! If you’re here to be pencil pushers or learn a trade, leave! Here we teach you to be soldiers, elite soldiers!”
“Take a look at your ugly faces and that of your neighbors. That’s right. Do it now. Around half of you will be gone next year! And then another half of those will die in their fast battle! Pick your friends carefully for one day they will have your back on a battlefield! And if you want to quit, do it now so I don’t have to waste my time on you!”
“While you are here in my archery field, you will address me as Tsargent Wuulf! Now, what is my name you scum?!”
“Tsargent Wuulf, Sir!” A chorus of voices answered him.
“Alright! Now, you veteran students can start! New blood, come over here!”
The group dispersed, and Airen was amazed at the size difference. Of the three hundred that were there, only a fourth were older students.
“Alright. Listen up you useless bastards!” Tsargent Wuulf continued to shout. “Here in Stonewall, everything runs on merit and performance! If you came here to learn bow techniques, prove you can fucking shoot a bow in the first place!” Wuulf pointed behind them, where targets were placed in the distance.
“The targets are at 25 meters, 50 meters, 100 meters, 250 meters, 500 meters, and 1000 meters!” Wuulf declared. “Training is simple! You must hit 500- 25 meter targets, 200- 50 meter targets, 75- 100 meter targets, 50- 250 meter targets, 10- 500 meter targets, or just the one 1000 meter target! Nobody can leave until they finish their quota! And don’t you dare lie about your scores, because graduated soldiers will be watching you!” Wuulf threatened.
“When I call your name, come forward! The person assigned to you will be your supervisor for all activities in Stonewall! He will both be your best friend and your worst enemy!”
As the students were paired up with soldiers, Airen was left standing last, until his name was finally called. “Airen! No last name!” Airen glanced at the last figure standing next to Wuulf, he seemed oddly familiar. “Your adviser is Orshan!” As Airen walked up, Wuulf nodded to the man, who extended a hand to Airen.
“I am Orshan.” Airen recognized his voice as the one that had been standing in line next to him.
“Weren’t you the one next to me?” Airen’s comment caused Tsargent Wuulf to raise an eyebrow and glare at Orshan.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Orshan winked at Airen. “I doubt anyone has looks as fine as mine.”
“You’re right.” Airen replied, quickly catching on. “I must have been mistaken.”
“Well then, adieu my dear Wuulf.” Orshan turned around, two fingers to his forehead and waving away. “It’s good to be back.” Without waiting for a response, Orshan placed a hand on Airen’s shoulder, and pushed him towards the cart.
“...Why did they even bring that trouble-maker back?” Wuulf grumbled quietly to himself.
“So then. Airen, was it? You heard the man.” Wuulf nudged him towards the cart, where hundreds of bows, bowstrings, and arrows laid. The students fought over the better looking ones, and their advisers did nothing to stop them. Some of them even goaded them on until brawls broke out in which they pointed and laughed. The veterans had already quickly assembled their bow and started sending arrows down the distance.
“Assemble a bow and start shooting, otherwise we’d be here all day!” Orshan said not too politely.
After observing the targets in the distance. Airen walked over to the pile of supplies. After rummaging for nearly ten minutes, he found what he was looking for. He pulled out a worn and battered longbow, the color of the wood already fading and the grip was falling to pieces. From the strings he selected a thick and sturdy one, made from a material he felt was flexible for the aged wood. Finally he picked out some heavy metal cast arrows.
“...Those are some interesting choices, Airen boy. Well, play around till you find something that you like.” Orshan shrugged as he made himself comfortable on the ground. Somewhere from his body, he had taken out what was a small book, and started to flip it open. Airen looked around to see many other advisers do the same, especially for the new recruits. Obviously they thought they would be here until the day ends. On the other hand, the veteran students were speaking with the advisers, and Airen watched as one of them demonstrated what appeared to be a technique to his student while others looked on in jealousy.
“Come on, new blood. Get to work.” Orshan pointed to the 25 meter targets as he lied down to one side. “Just maybe you will get the hang of it and we can leave late in the afternoon!”
Airen said nothing, instead he strung the bow and nocked the arrow, testing the weight and balance. He licked his thumb and checked for wind.
“Boy, I don’t know where you’ve learned to do stuff like that, but mimicking professionals won’t help you.” Orshan laughed. “Well, just maybe, if you get lucky, your shot will hit the one thousand meter one and we can leave!”
Airen said nothing for the next five minutes as he concentrated and carefully took aim.
“I don’t have the strength to draw a great bow and shoot that far.” Airen finally responded after he aligned his sights.
“Boy, I like you! If you can jest so well everyday, then this won’t be so boring after all!” Orshan laughed. “Tell you what. If we can leave before the sun is directly above us, I’ll give you a gift all men would want!”
Airen’s ears perked up. Surely that was something Fieluri would be interested in?
“Deal!” Airen replied, taking one more second to adjust the shot and letting the arrow fly.
“Ah, ah.” Orshan clicked his tongue. “Your angle is too high!”
Airen’s arrow soared into the air, flying past the 25, then 50, then 100, and then the 250 meter targets. As he picked up the next arrow off the ground, a distant thud was heard as his arrow slammed into a 500 meter target, right on the bull’s eye.
Orshan rubbed his eyes, and he wasn’t the only one. He watched like a hawk for the next ten minutes as Airen aimed and released the next arrow, almost shouting with glee as the arrow slammed right next to the first one. The nearby students, both new and veterans, stared at Airen in shock. The advisers on the other hand, looked at Orshan with envy for getting the protege.
“Dammit boy, who taught you how to shoot a bow?” Orshan clapped Airen on the shoulder. “You are one of the best archers I have ever seen at your age!”
After nearly an hour, Airen had landed ten shots at 500 meters. Of course, he had missed over sixty-percent of them, but it was still a notable accomplishment. Wuulf had shouted at them as they tried to leave, not believing they had finished their quota, until Airen landed yet another 500 meter shot in front of his eyes.
“I can shoot accurately, but not fast.” Airen shrugged, that much was true as it took him nearly three minutes to gauge a shot. “So about that thing you were going to show me...”
“Ah.” Orshan winked at Airen as he pulled him closer. “Come here, Airen. This secret isn’t something you should show to the public.”
Orshan reached into his pocket. “This is a treasure of mine. In my time on the battlefield, this was my lone comfort in the cold nights. I am not quite willing to part with it, but a deal is a deal, and I have made several copies at home.”
Orshan pulled out a book, the blank cover signifying it as the same book he was reading before.
“Now, my dear Airen. I give you this treasure of man.” Orshan looked at the book wistfully, and placed it in Airen’s hands. “Use it well.” He winked and smiled at Airen.
Airen thought Fieluri would be interested in it, whatever it was, but as soon as Airen propped it open, he closed it instantly. Inside were sketches of naked women. Very detailed sketches.
“What is this supposed to be?” Airen held the book as far away from his body as if was some dark tainted object.
“Why, it’s the sketches of the beautiful woman I see when I sneak- I mean, visualize in the baths.” Orshan replied without any hint of shame. “I swear to you Airen, these sketches are absolutely perfect, not a single detail was-”
“You can have it back.” Airen tossed the book back at Orshan. He was glad he decided to have a look at it first. If he had given it to Fiel… Airen shuddered to think what would happen to him.
“What! But this is a symbol of our friendship!” Orshan tried to shove the book into Airen’s hand. “I know you’re being considerate of me, but I have made several copies! It’s alright to take it!”
“Or perhaps you want to see the real thing?” Orshan gave him a scandalous wink and a nudge. “Well, since you are my student… it shouldn’t hurt if I took you with me.”
“I really don’t think-”
“Shh, not another word, my dear student! I understand! The images are works of art, but you deserve the real thing!” Orshan replied, shouting loudly enough to start drawing attention. “How old are you boy?”
“Fourteen but-”
“You’re practically a man!” Orshan clapped Airen in the shoulder then at his bare chest and kept winking at him. “Don’t worry! Orshan will take you to a brothel in the future! And a high class all paid for by me!”
“...I’m going to my next class.” Airen decided to flee and started to speed walk away.
“Hey, Hey! No need to be embarrassed!” Orshan chased after him.
As Airen approached the sword training area by passing a gate, a loud feminine voice called out.
“First day of training and you have already overslept have you?!” A women in short hair and the Red Slate Republic’s military uniform strolled up Airen, tapping a metal baton to his chests.
“I-”
“You answer me with a yes, or no.” She replied coldly.
“No, madam! I believe I am early!” Airen stood straight and mimicked the salute he learned a few hours back.
“Early?” The woman frowned.
“He is, actually.” Orshan caught up to Airen from… whatever he was doing. “Why if it isn’t Catherine! You’re as beautiful as always, my dear!”
At the sight of Orshan, Catherine’s frown deepened even more.
“Bend over and drop dead!” Catherine swung at Orshan, but instead Orshan caught the metal baton and pulled. Before Catherine could be drawn closer, she stomped on his feet with her heels.
“You’re as col- I mean, as lovely as usual, my love.” Orshan tried to hide the pain on his face, but failed miserably. “But our little lover’s quarrel-”
“We are not lovers.”
“-aside, this is my student, Airen. He’s already finished archery training.”
“Him?” Catherine eyed Airen’s scrawny frame. “Most new recruits don’t even leave their first class on the first day.”
“Lie? I am a man of my word! Especially when it comes to a beautiful woman!” Orshan winked at Airen, while he desperately pretended not to hear a single word.
“I hope you die in a fire.” Catherine scowled. “Boy, come with me.”
Airen dutifully followed Catherine, but she stopped when Orshan started to follow her as well, albeit extremely closely, almost touching. Her abrupt stop caused Orshan to bump into her and his hands landed on some… peculiar positions. Even Airen could sense the rage without seeing Tsargent Catherine’s face.
“Orshan…. What are you doing?” An ice cold voice cut into the air like a sharp blade.
“Well, you said ‘boy, follow me’ and I’m a boy so-” Orshan replied.
Airen pretended he didn’t see what happened next, and covered his ears to block out Orshan’s disgusting cries of “Step on me! Oh, wait. I think I just saw a flash of white-”.
“You saw nothing.” Catherine said to Airen as they left Orshan behind in a heap on the ground. “Do we have an understanding?”
“I saw nothing.” Airen repeated.
“Good. You have my condolences that you have that sleazeball for an adviser.” Catherine replied. “Just to make sure, you did leave from your instructor correct?”
“Yes, madam!”
“Hmph. It’s about time there was some promising recruits.” They came upon a large group of students, at least twice as large as the ones before. About half of them were striking at upright wooden logs with metal batons, and the veterans were sparring among themselves, wearing armbands. “But you must prove yourself before you can advance to the next level.”
Catherine led Airen in front of a wagon full of blunted training swords, and reached into the back to pull out a metal stick. Afterwards, she led him to a wooden log and handed him the extremely blunt baton. “You cannot leave until you break the log in two with this baton. I don’t care how you do it, but it must be done with the baton. When and if you finish, then you will bring the halves to me and I will inspect it.”
As Catherine left, Airen inspected the log and his weapon. The bark was rigid and it was as wide as a grown man’s waist. The metal baton-sword had a metal edge, but it may as well have been nonexistent. All around Airen was the sound of wood being smacked, and Airen followed suit with a test swing. With a thud, the metal rod training blade slammed into the side of the log, leaving a mark on the bark but barely damaging the hardwood beneath.
Airen glanced around him at the new recruits. Some of the more experienced ones were preparing to use techniques. A particularly strangely garbed boy near his age caught his eye. He was holding his sword high in the air as if waiting for something, and then after what appeared to be a few minutes, he swung. To Airen’s eyes, the rapid speed made it appear as if the baton had curved upwards. The newer students stopped what they doing and watched in shock as the log splintered and cracked, and then finally, split into two from top to bottom. Not too long afterward, similar cracks were heard as the students with some sword training used their techniques on their targets.
Airen readied the weapon in his hand, spread his feet and held the weapon at his feet. Keri’s stance was meant for spears, so Airen did not know how it would affect the Flash of Divine Steel. The edge of the baton glimmered faintly, a far cry from when Airen had used it last, and the phantasmal blade when Airen slashed was hardly even visible, leaving only a light gash on the wood.
If only I had a decent sword. Airen sighed. This was going to be much harder than he thought. He glanced over to the others and saw one girl that was using earth magic to sharpen her blunt edge. Another had lined his weapon with fire and held it to the log, scorching the wood. One girl soaked the entire log in water, and used the dull edge like a chisel. Or if only I could use magic.
However, what truly shocked Airen was how another man simply waved his baton like an ax, sending wedges through the wood like a knife through butter. It was a humbling experience for Airen. He glanced at his weapon, then at the miserable gash on the side of his log and understood what Fieluri meant when he said his techniques are good, but his body was weak. He had depended on strength that was not his own.
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Airen sighed again. This was going to be a long afternoon.
----------------------------------------
Luckily, Airen wasn’t the last one to finish, but he was covered from head to toe in sweat. Countless times he had performed the Blooming technique, widening the gash until the log finally split in half from left to right. He tried to lift the logs, but it was too heavy for him, forcing him to roll the two logs for inspection. Catherine tapped her own baton in her hands as Airen approached, a pile of wood behind her.
“Hmph. I thought you would be faster than that.” Catherine sighed disapprovingly. “More than half of the recruits have already left. Perhaps you may be a talented archer, but I see no skilled swordsman.”
Airen said nothing but bit his lip, there was hard truth in her words that he could not deny.
“You may leave, I’ll decide what to do with you during next week’s lessons. You are expected to train on your own.”
“Yes, madam.” Airen nodded and walked away, unraveling the drenched scarf-cloth from his right hand. He is going to have wash it thoroughly with water to remove the sweat soaked in it.
“Hmph.” Tsargent Catherine picked up the two large pieces of wood, one in each hand, and inspected the cut. “At least his technique is good.” She tossed it into the air behind her, as it flew backwards, multiple lines seemed to crisscross and dance all around it, and it split into several pieces of firewood, mixing in with the growing pile behind her.
“So you’ve finally finished, have you?” Orshan was waiting at the gate for Airen. “Took a bit longer than I thought you would, not exactly the best swordsman are you?”
“I’ve already been told that.” Airen replied. “Why are you even here?”
“Well, I am your adviser. I’m supposed to follow you to all your classes, but Cathy’s class is a bit of an exception to the rules. Well, not that I’m complaining since it means we advisers would have free time. Want a sandwich?” Orshan pushed a brown paper bag into Airen’s hands.
It was then Airen realized he hadn’t eaten anything, he dug around inside the bag and pulled out its contents. A strange croquette like bun, a sandwich with white bread, two fruits with strange paper-like skin.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I bought a little bit of everything.” Orshan gave Airen a thumbs up.
“Thanks.” Airen devoured everything. He had expected bland rations since that was what he heard military food was like, but this was… rather good.
“Good. Good! Eat up, Airen! You’re going to need energy if we’re going to sneak out at night to visit the brothels!”
“I’ll have to pass.” Airen waved. “I’m quite tired after all that, and I have two more classes tomorrow.”
“Spears and small arms, right?” Orshan nodded, and then started to explain when Airen gave him a condescending look. “I’m your adviser! I know about your entire class schedule! Plus, I only stalk woman!”
“But, truthfully Airen, you’re a strange one.” Orshan rubbed his hands together. “All of your classes are weapon courses. They had to scramble to find someone like me who was fit to be an adviser for that. Pardon me asking, but can you not use magic?”
“I can.” Airen replied, “But it’s a heritage type magic, and I am not too proficient with it. There weren’t any classes that taught it.”
“I see, I see!” Orshan looked downcast for a moment, but it quickly vanished. “If you have any questions, you can come to me as long as it doesn’t have to do with magic!”
“...Actually. I do have a question.” Airen mumbled, drinking what appeared to be juice from the paper-like skin. “Is there anywhere I can go to buy ingredients?”
Orshan’s eyes lit up. “I know just the place!”
Orshan had led Airen away from the Stonewall campus and out into the capital city nearby. Airen had never seen so much people moving at once, but even so he had to avert his eyes from some of the sights. Mainly, the sight of the slaves. Half naked men could tote around a large pavilion from which large men or women were seated on, and trailing behind them would be a long procession of troops and women.
“You’d best keep your head low Airen and avoid meeting eyes,” Orshan warned as he pulled him through the crowd. “Most of the slave owners have some sort of connection with the government. You don’t want to attract their attention.”
Airen did as he was bid and kept his head down, but that didn’t prevent the sound of a whip lash ripping into flesh from reaching his ears. Luckily, the sounds quickly faded behind him as Orshan pulled him through a small alley.
“You’re not from around here are you, Airen? It’s obvious that you’re not used to such sights. Neither did I at the beginning.” Orshan said as he let go of Airen’s arm. “You’d best pretend you didn’t see anything so trouble does not come looking for you.”
“How can one person do that to another?” Airen tried to calm his uneasy stomach.
“As a display of wealth.” Orshan shook his head. “There is a stark contrast of the poor and the rich in the Red Slate Republic. Anyone that does not work for the government has to pay a heavy tax. Some would even argue that being a slave under a kind master is better than being homeless and hungry.”
“Here we are.” The path opened up and Airen found himself in a marketplace, although there seemed to be no half-naked slaves around. “Although this is not as grand as Market Square, the people that live here sell at lower prices, and the quality is the same if not better.”
“Alright then, do you think you can find your way back from here?” Orshan asked. “Orshan is going to have some fun with some beautiful ladies- actually would you like to join-”
“No, I’m fine.” Airen quickly answered. “I can find my way back.”
“Alright, then I’m off to visit some friends~” Orshan quickly disappeared into the crowd, leaving Airen wondering what he should buy.
Well, well, well. I was wondering why you left the campus, and here I find you in the middle of things. This may be interesting. Fieluri’s voice called out to Airen, and he turned a shoulder to see Fieluri sitting on his shoulder, as small as a fairy.
“How long have you been listening?” Airen grumbled. He had not noticed her at all.
As soon as you had left Stonewall. Actually Airen, I have a task for you.
“A task? You?” As he spoke, Airen felt a weight appear on his belt. When he looked down, he saw a bag that wasn’t there before. Confused, he peered inside and saw about a hundred gold coins.
I want you to buy a sample of everything in this market.
“That sounds like work-”
The other option is, I will simply take everything by force.
“…It’s my first time here. Please don’t make a commotion.”
Airen did as Fieluri bid. Whatever caught her interest, Airen would rush over and buy a few of them without negotiating the price. Before long his arms were piled with strange things like Dried Horizon Octopus, Ghost Mushrooms, Red Rain, Eternal Ginseng, Spring Water, strangely shaped weapons, gems and jewels, and so forth. He made several trips to a secluded alley to send everything into the Archive. After three or so hours of this, Fieluri was finally satisfied and left him to do his own shopping. It was growing darker and Airen decided it was better to simply buy dinner. After all was said and done, the one hundred and fifty gold coins in his pouched turned to a miserable four gold coins and sixty silvers.
Airen sighed and spent the rest on some local delicacies, and nearly twenty tons of groceries. He splurged a bit on some strange plants and meat he had never seen before, but it wasn’t his money anyway. He would feel awkward toting it around, and he decided to make some food for Fieluri in return.
As Airen walked through the alley leading back to Market Square, he felt something was off. His intuition from thousands of experiences in the Archive made him duck as a dagger flew through the air where his head once was.
“Tsk.” The would be bandits crept out from the shadows. Two men stood in front of him, blocking his way to the Market Square, and Airen sensed two more blocking the path behind him.
“Little boy, don’t you know that you shouldn’t throw away money around like that around here?” The cloaked man in front of him menaced at him with a thin shiv. “Now why don’t you leave your bag here and we’ll think about sparing your life?”
Before Airen could even summon a weapon from the Archive. The two men in front of him burst into pitch black flames, and as their mouths opened to cry out in pain, a dark hand of pitch black shadows silenced them. As they fell to the ground writhing in pain, the figure behind them was revealed. Although the newcomer was wearing pitch black robes that blended into the night, there was no mistaking the delicate glow of Starlight.
“Leave.” Keri held up a palm and dangerous black flames flickered forth, consuming the two bodies on the ground. Airen heard two clangs behind him and he turned to see two figures sprinting for their lives, their weapons on the ground.
“Thanks, Keri. You saved me.” Airen nodded.
“The History Eater sent me here saying that she may have made you attract too much attention. Turns out she was right.” Keri gestured behind her. “I didn’t know that she would take responsibility for her actions. There’s a couple more down hidden in the shadow, and on the roofs. Come here, Airen.”
Airen walked toward Keri, but she beckoned him even closer until they were almost touching. Hooking one hand under Airen’s arm, The shadows of the growing night seemed to flicker and cover the two of them like a shroud, and before Airen could say a word, he found himself at the back of the Tiger Wing building.
“Well then, Airen, take care.” Keri pulled out the keystone from beneath the cloak. She was halfway through the rift before Airen stopped her.
“One moment!” Airen rummaged in his bag and pulled out a stuffed crepe. “Please have this!”
“...What is this strange bread like object?” Keri held the crepe like a one would hold a book. She took a sniff and bit into it. “It’s sweet.”
“There’s a couple more in the vault.” Airen added. “I also bought a ton of basic ingredients like flour, meat, fish, and veggies if you are in need of any.”
Keri simply waved in return and disappeared into the rift.
As Airen entered the room, Eullina called out from her bed.
“Airen… Where’s dinner…?” She moaned like a zombie. “Foooooood...”
“I went and bought some local delicacies from the city, of course if you want a meal I can whip some something-”
“No! Delicacies are fine!” Eullina shot up from the bunk bed and ran towards Airen as he placed his pack on the low table.
“What is this? Some sort of caramelized squid?” Eullina started stuffing things in her mouth. “Oh it’s good! And these are meatballs? Roasted fish?” She took a bite of everything while Airen picked off the things she did not like.
Within ten minutes, Eullina gave a content burp and patted her belly. “Ah, that was great.”
Airen looked at the mess that Eullina made, sighed, and started cleaning up.
“So how was your first day of class?” Eullina mumbled as Airen deposited the trash outside. She started feeling guilty and helped Airen wipe down the table. “What’s your adviser like?”
“It went well enough.” Airen explained his experience with both archery and swordplay. “My only complaint is that my adviser is like Loys, in the bad way.”
“Oh boy, Airen. It seems to me that the gods really want to lead you astray.” Eullina laughed.
“How did it go for you?”
“Magic class is quite boring. All you do is sit and listen for nearly two hours and then finally for an hour they teach you how to cast basic spells. Afterwards, you can practice however you like. The other class for etiquette was a breeze.”
“My advisor's pretty strict though.” Eullina frowned. “If I even messed up the formal bow by one degree, she would make me do it again. I’m not really a fan of the do one hundred bows sort of thing.” As she finished speaking, she yawned.
“Thanks for the meal, Airen, I’m going to sleep now-”
“At least get changed!” Airen complained.
“Fine, fine.” Eullina grumbled and clambered to the top of the bunk bed. In a few moments her clothes started flying into the air and onto the ground. Airen sighed and picked them up and deposited it into a basket. “Let’s explore the city during the weekends, alright?”
“...I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Airen replied hesitantly.. “There’s… quite a lot of slaves.”
“...In that case why don’t we go explore a dungeon?” Eullina’s head popped out. “My teacher mentioned a couple, and we can try our luck in the easiest one.”
“That sounds a bit dangerous...” Airen mumbled.
“No pain, no gain!” Eullina shouted.
“Alright, alright...” Airen was interested nonetheless. “I’ll prepare what I can for our weekend adventure.” There was no response, and Airen realized Eullina had fallen asleep.
“She must have been worn up. I told her not to stay up late...” Airen chuckled quietly as he stood on the bottom of the bunk bed and pulled a blanket over her. Then he went to the communal shower which was empty at that hour of the night, and went to bed, or at least his body did.
His soul entered the Archive as usual.
----------------------------------------
“Oh dear lord.” Fieluri looked at the monstrous plate placed in front of her. “By the spirits, dragons, guardians, angels, devil, and all other entities since the beginning of time. What is this, Airen?”
“A stir fry of Black Pepper Chives, Blood Lotus Fruit, and Dried Sangler Meat.” Airen replied hesitantly. Truth be told, he grabbed random items from the pile of things in his vault. “It was among the things you had me buy.”
“...” Fieluri appeared lost for words. She waved a hand over the plate and a pink and white magic circle appeared and expanded to the size of the plate. Bits of green light poured out of the circle and covered the abysmal looking dish. “...It’s not poisonous at least. Did you try it, Airen?”
“I did.” Airen thought it tasted passable, and he had taken great pains to clean and prepare the ingredients.
“It would be ironic if I, the great History Eater, would fall from a dish made by her pet.” Fieluri murmured as she poked at the dish with a fork. “Well, even if I die from this, I’ll just come back to life in the Archive.”
“Must you be so dramatic?” Airen sighed. He had no doubt Fieluri was playing with him. “I see you casting spells behind your back.”
“Simply precautions, my dear Airen.” Fieluri’s face hardened as she held bits of the meal up to her mouth, staring at it as if it was some rotten corpse. With great willpower, she jammed the food in.
“...At least it doesn’t taste as bad as how it looks.” Fieluri replied. “I’ll give you four points Airen, but due to presentation, I’ll take one off.”
“Thank you.” Airen rolled his eyes and gave a bow. At the very least, she had eaten it.
“Speaking of which, what did you think of your first day of class as a commoner?”
Airen explained what happened during the day without skipping any details without answering her question.
“That Orshan man should be pretty skillful, according to what you said.” Fieluri commented. “It seems that this Stonewall Academy focuses on practicality instead of theory, makes sense for a military academy. According to the books I made copies of in the Stonewall Library, they have several stages of training for each magical or weapons course. Once you finish a single course, you can have it mentioned on a military or adventurer card. The more courses you finish, the more symbols will be on your card, and you may even earn a title. If you can glimpse at someone’s warrior card, you should be able to gauge their skills. It seems humans have a need to label everything these days...”
“Thanks for the information, Fiel.”
“You’re welcome. Now, you seem like you want to ask me something.”
“I have fought here in the Archive many times but-”
“Why are your arms so weak?” Fieluri sighed. “Is it your body that is here, or your spirit, Airen? Can you not bother me with pointless questions you already have the answer to?”
“...Sorry.”
“Hmph.” Fieluri stood up from her large, puffy cushion. “You know what, Airen? Come with me.” She started walking, except her bare feet were plastered to the shelves, leaving her parallel to the ground. A bit cautious due to her tone shift, Airen trailed behind her, except like a normal human being affected by gravity. Space seemed to bend and stretch as Airen followed Fieluri, and the next moment, they stood in front of what appeared to be a giant golden telescope encased in a glass orb.
“Here, hold these.” Fieluri tossed two books at Airen which he caught with the ease of experience.
“Isn’t this… Dullas and Lizabel’s books?” Airen asked, familiar words on the book’s covers. “What are we doing with them?”
“Must you ask me about every little thing?” Fieluri tapped the side of the crystal shell, and it fragmented into small pieces. The clear bits turned red, then blue, and then finally purple, and vanished. Fieluri beckoned Airen to give her the books. They walked around the other side of the telescope, and Fieluri pulled on a metal panel engraved with strange runes. The inside seemed to be a wormhole as she casually tossed the two books in. As she closed the metal panel, the entire telescope lit up in faint light.
“Come here.” Fieluri beckoned, gesturing to the seat in front of the telescope. “I have decided to give you a simple taste of what I am capable of, and what someday you might be too. Put your eyes on there and your hand on this.” She pointed to the eyepiece and a strange knob.
Airen did as she bid and placed both his eyes on the eyepiece. To his surprise, he saw Fieluri standing with large magic circles around her on one side, and on the other side was Keri. He quickly turned the knob and the scene shifted to Fieluri’s battle with Dullas. Another turn and Fieluri was fighting a man with an owl mask. However, try as he might, Airen could not turn the knob again.
“That’s enough for now.” Fieluri snapped her fingers, and darkness covered the eyepiece, obscuring Airen’s sight. “As you see, this kaleidoscope contains all the battles I have fought through several eras.”
“...What was the point of this?”
“I have decided that for each tribute you pay to me, I shall reward you a small glimpse of power in return.” Fieluri nodded. “You have given me three things of note. The blade of the first and last fire dragon, Torchlight. An ancient noble’s sword from within the painting of Osperica. And finally, the sword forged for you, Force.”
“That is not enough!” Fieluri shouted suddenly, causing Airen to jump. “I have been preparing great gifts and techniques, but you have given me nothing!” Fieluri frowned. “If you don’t satisfy me soon, I might just go and steal those artifacts of that Benyin headmaster of yours!”
“Please don’t.” Airen covered his head as light blows rained on him. “Didn’t we just buy a ton of stuff from the market-”
“All those ingredients and items was either already cataloged in the Archive, or they were fake items sold under a different name!” Fieluri crossed her arms. “What a waste of time and gold!”
“...Waste of gold?” Airen murmured quietly. Fieluri had only taken a few ounces of each item and left everything to Airen. It didn’t feel that big of a waste to him.
“Yes! A waste of gold! Uugh!” Fieluri stopped throwing a tantrum and grew deathly quiet. “I’m not pleased, Airen, not at all.” Fieluri pointed a finger at Airen and a rift opened in front of him, sucking him in. “I expect something the next time you come see me, otherwise, we will have words.”
“...It sounds like the History Eater isn’t happy.” Keri nodded as Airen plopped down next to her in the false world of his vault.“Quite a lot of magic power was coming from the other door.”
“She said she was disappointed in me. That hurts coming from her.” Airen sighed. “I’m going to have to try and find something to stop her from being angry at me.”
“Hmm. From the way you talk, you sound like you already have something in mind.”
“Eullina and I were thinking about exploring a dungeon this weekend. Hopefully we can find something.”
“A dungeon?” Keri stopped the needle in her hands. “Just the two of you?”
“Is that a problem? We were planning only on looking around.”
“Did you do your research and ask around what to expect in it? Do either of you know healing magic? If not, do you have any potions?” Keri’s voice was not pleasant.
“I haven’t even considered it.” Airen admitted.
“You haven’t even thought about preparing, did you?” Keri sighed. “Airen, do you know what three types of people I detest the most?”
“...What?”
“Royalty, soldiers, and heroes. I had thought you were different when it came to the first two, but...Do you think you are some sort of hero to charge into danger without any planning?”
“I mean, can’t you just come with me?” Airen asked, and Keri’s face twisted at the answer.
Keri shook her head and sighed. “Airen, I think I know how the History Eater feels. You’ve grown arrogant, Airen.”
“That was not-”
“And now you’re speaking back.”
“…Sorry.”
“Are you going to listen to me now instead of yapping away?”
“Yes.” Airen bit back his words.
“Airen, do you think I enjoy doing this?” Keri sighed. “Do you think the History Eater enjoys yelling at you?”
“...Probably not..”
“You do understand that this is for your own good, right?”
Airen nodded.
“Then listen up closely.” With that, Keri launched into a plethora of explanations on dungeon preparation, exploration and navigation. After hearing about the dangers, Airen quickly changed his attitude and took note of the things that could potentially save his life.
----------------------------------------
“Eullina, I think we should hold off on the dungeon exploring.” Airen brought up the topic over dinner the next day.
“Why’s that Airen?” Eullina cut off another piece of meat and stabbed it with a fork.
“Well, I think we should ask around about this dungeon of yours first...”
“It’s the closest one to the school, a lot of trainees often go there.” Eullina replied. “As long as we don’t go too deep, we should be fine.”
“Even so, we don’t have any supplies.”
“Supplies? What sort of supplies?”
“Potions, rations, camping kits, whetstones-”
“Haha Airen, we’re just going for two days! Camping in the Tel’dora Desert is probably more dangerous! Are you scared of dark places Airen?” Eullina teased.
“I’m not. Keri just told me to be cautious, that’s all.”
“Keri?”
“I ran into her when I went shopping for groceries.” Airen quickly replied.
“I see. Well, how about this Airen? In two weeks or so, I’ll finally learn about the holy affinity and with it, maybe a bit of healing magic. We will go on that weekend!”
“...That sounds good.” Airen was relieved Eullina could actually come to a compromise. As she retired to bed, Airen cleaned up and blew out the candle.
The week passed by painfully, at least for Airen.
On Mouldas, he had archery and straight swords class, the foundations of a wanderer.
On Tuldas, he had spear and small arms class, the foundation of a foot soldier, taught by a female soldier called Silvia and a tiny man called Belvar. Silvia was impressed with his Flash of Divine Steel technique, cleaving through the log without resistance. Belvar, on the other hand, simply nodded after Airen finally managed to punch fifty holes through a piece of rusted armor with dagger thrusts.
On Wesdas, he had martial combat and curved swords class, both of which he excelled at. For martial combat, the ancient man called Louv had him imitate his movements. Airen wasn’t aware the human body can bend in so many ways, but it wasn’t as painful as he had thought. In curved weapons class, he redeemed himself in Catherine’s eyes as he skillfully juggled four balls with the flat of his sword.
On Turdas, Airen suffered the most from two-handed weapons, and shields class. Wuulf had simply laughed at Airen as he struggled to swing the two handed slab of metal and given him a much smaller one, which eased his problems but also caused the other recruits to laugh at him. Airen was by far the smallest person to take the class, and although Wuulf did not think it suited him, he was impressed at his determination and the speed of his blows. In shields class, he had to suspend the two handed sword and continuously bash it until it broke. He did not get to leave until well into sunset, but Orshan had accompanied him to the very end, although Airen thought some of his encouraging words could be better picked.
Today was Flidas, and Airen had but one class. However as he approached the small room where he was supposed to go, the only one there was Orshan.
“Orshan? Where is the instructor?”
“Why, right in front of you.” Orshan grinned. “On Flidas, all advisers will personally guide their student. Now then, my dear student, what do you think you lacked this week?”
“Strength.” Airen did not hesitate and admitted it easily.
“Good! A trainee must always admit his weakness and faults!” Orshan walked off to the side, revealing strange machinations behind him. “It’s time for some strength training!”
Airen would be lying if those strange leather bound iron weights did not bother him. However, what truly intimidated him was the glint in Orshan’s eyes.
“Come Airen! Let us enjoy this together.” Orshan ripped off his clothes, leaving only behind a loincloth. He lifted a metal bar with size of a large boulder, and started doing squats.
That entire afternoon, Airen almost wished he could gouge out his eyes.
----------------------------------------
“Oh, you’re back.” Eullina waved at Airen as he walked in and plopped down onto the bottom bed, his entire body sore. “Woah! You look like as if you’ve been run over by a horse...”
“I wish I did get run over...” Airen grumbled without even lifting his head. “How are you back so soon?”
“My adviser said to take the day off, as my performance was satisfactory this first week.” Eullina bragged. “You on the other hand...”
“Let’s not talk about it.” Airen sighed. “My brawn for brains mentor made me do all sorts of strength building exercises with him.”
Eullina poked at Airen’s arm.
“Ow, ow. OW!” Airen jerked his arm away by turning to the side, only to put pressure on his other sore areas. “Please, don’t do that!” Airen turned to Eullina, only to see a mischievous smile on her face.
“Spare me Eullina...” Airen mumbled in pain as she sat on his back, her hands gently working his sore muscles “This massage of yours can destroy nations...”
“Huh? Did you say something?” Eullina asked as she squeezed the muscles between Airen’s shoulders, making him cry out in pain. “Care to repeat that?”
“...You’re a genius, Lady Eullina. Thank you for blessing this one with your gracious touch..”
“You’re welcome.” Eullina laughed. “But Airen, I did not know your figure was this slender! No wonder your muscles are sore!”
Airen said nothing but groaned in pain instead.
“Since you’re this worn out, perhaps I should make dinner instead?”
“No!” Airen twitched as she shouted, and he curled up in pain. “I want… to live.. thank you.”
“Ah, ah. That’s a shame.” Eullina bent and stretched Airen’s arm, causing him to bite into the pillow. “I suppose we’ll have to go to the Stonewall Mess Hall tonight and splurge a bit.”
“...I guess.”
“I kind of understand why you didn’t want to go adventuring tomorrow.”
“Please Eullina. If I knew this was going to happen I would not have went to class. Orshan is insane when it comes to weight lifting...”
“Well you know what they say… no pain, no gain!”
“You’re the one putting me in pain right now.”
“No pain, no gain!” Eullina shouted and pressed even harder, causing Airen to let out a scream. “But if we don’t do this, you probably won’t be able to move tomorrow.”
“I should just sleep in tomorrow.” Airen gritted his teeth. “I never knew proper training was like this.”
“’Proper’ training? What sort of training have you been doing if it isn’t proper training?”
“Soul-tempering training.” Airen grumbled.
“...But you’re not a mage.”
“No like-” Airen scrambled for an excuse. Training in the Archive was something he wanted to avoid mentioning. “Having imaginary fights in your mind and anticipating moves...”
“You sound like some sort of strategist now, instead of a fighter.” Eullina chuckled. “One day you’ll lead great armies into battle- and at the head will be a scrawny little boy holding a sword-” Eullina pressed down near Airen’s belly. “Who would succumb simply to a day of weight lifting.”
“Weight lifting defeats entire armies.” Airen nodded. “That’s a solid tactic right there, Eullina. Infiltrate the enemy ranks, rise up to be the leader, and declare that all soldiers must go through excessive training…. Before telling your allies to attack. You’re such a cunning general, Eullina.”
Eullina swatted him lightly on the head. “You’re the one that came up with such a crazy vision.”
“Are you sure you can walk?” Eullina asked, concerned as Airen walked in front of her unsteadily. “I can just go get the food and bring it back.”
“I feel fine.” Airen replied, when Eullina had walked away, he had taken a quick trip to the Archive with his physical body and returned. The throbbing pain and aching had dulled immensely. “So fine that I can beat you in a duel despite the horrors I saw this morning...”
“Ooooooh? Are you sure about that?” Eullina hooked an arm around Airen’s neck.
“Of course, I am!” Airen who was kidding of course, and faked pain when Eullina pulled his arm.
“I concede! You’re just too strong!” Airen pretended to kneel on the ground clutching his imaginary wound. “Please have mercy!”
“You’re taking this a bit too far, Airen. Look around you.” Eullina laughed
Airen did as bid and several trainees were staring at him, some of the females had smiles on their faces, while some of the guys gave him knowing looks.
Embarrassed, he stood up and walked along with Eullina towards the mess hall. When they pushed open the wooden door, they caught the scent of meat and stew. Inside, there were several tables laid out in columns, and groups were situated all around. Behind the counter, several men and women were cooking at rapid space, and on the wall above them were the dishes and prices.
“Welcome. What will you have?” A middle aged woman asked them.
“I’ll have the dry wheat noodles with seafood soup.” Airen replied.
“Then I’ll have the monster meat steak and mixed rice.” Eullina added.
“Are you two together?”
“Yes.”
“That will be eight silver coins and fifty two coppers.”
Eullina reached into her bag and pulled out nine silvers, handing it to the lady. After receiving their change, she ushered them to the side. Within minutes, their dishes were ready and they went to look for a place to sit. Luckily, a group of girls had just left a few seats in the corner.
“Still, this place is pretty crowded.” Airen murmured as they sat down. “There’s even more people than the Tel’naraa Mess Hall at peak hours.”
“Of course! This place provides food for the entirety of Stonewall.” Eullina dug into her meal. “I still think I prefer your cooking though.”
“...Thanks.” Airen stirred the noodles with a fork before digging in. The noodles weren’t bad, but Lilrim’s were definitely better.
As the two of them ate, they talked about their first week. As the conversation moved to the school, Airen had a question on his mind..
“You know, Eullina. What’s your relationship with Principal Benyin?”
“He’s an old friend of Duncan’s.” Eullina said in a low voice. “He looked after me for a time, and he picked our advisers.”
“I see.” Airen whispered back. “Do you think I can request a change? Orshan scares me.”
Airen had expected a laugh, but instead Eullina’s attention was drawn to the loud noise coming from the center of the room.
“What the hell is is shit!? My slaves can make better food than this!” Airen turned and saw a well-groomed brown haired boy throwing his food on the ground, sending a spray of liquid at the clothes of a group of girls. “And I had to pay for this dog food? Such nerve!”
“Master Rowan. I know what you're planning but this is-”
“Well, now I know not to walk in this pig’s den. Filthy commoners.” Rowan’s words started to irk those around him. “I don’t even know why I even bothered.”
“Master Rowan, I suggest you should be more careful with your lang-”
“Why should I? It’s not like these low-born cretins understand the meaning my words anyway!”
The room had grown deathly quiet at his words.
“Bastard...” One man stood up, hands in a ball. “You nobles are all the same, always looking down on us...”
“Hm?” Rowan turned towards the man. “Who are you to be speaking to someone like me?” Light danced at his hand as chains of white light shot forth and bound the man to the table. “We are nobles because we are the gifted ones. At the end of the day, I will be an officer in the army, and you will be a lowly grunt.”
“You!” The man’s friends stood up. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”
“I was provoked by a beast’s demeanor.” Rowan shrugged. “It seems like the beast was part of a pack as well.”
Right as the tension rose to it’s peak, a sharp twang was heard as Nightingale landed embedded in the table next to the men, and Hummingbird on the ground in front of Rowan.
“That’s enough. You realize fighting is forbidden on school grounds, right?” Eullina shouted. “If you want to make a scene, take it elsewhere!”
“Oh? Who are you to talk to me like that?” Rowan turned and smirked. “You have the looks of a filthy slave girl.”
Meanwhile, Airen had gotten to the man bounded in a spell. He placed a hand on the magical chains and his magical tattoo seemed to absorb away the magic, causing it to vanish.
“Well, why don’t you ask for a duel then? Are you afraid to lose to a little slave girl?” Eullina shot back, not intimidated at all. “Or are you a coward that throws around your status to belittle others?” Cries around the mess hall shouted in agreement.
“You… how dare you speak to me like that.” Rowan gritted his teeth, and reached for a sword at his waist. Before he could draw it, Airen slipped behind him and held Force against his neck. Despite the current situation, Airen had a feeling that the individual in his arm was intentionally trying to rile up the crowd.
“Master Rowan!” The servant made to move forward, but was pinned back by the circle of people surrounding them.
“I advise you place your hand away from your weapon.” Airen whispered quietly.
“You… bastards. I will have you know my father-”
“Ah, there he is again, strutting around with someone else’s authority.” Eullina sighed.
“You… this is an attack! I have every right to defend myself!” Rowan shouted as Airen withdrew his blade and stepped back into the crowd.
“An attack? Did anyone see us attack him?” Eullina surveyed the crowd, where everyone was shaking their heads. “ I think he was the one that attacked first, right? Drawing his sword and waving magic around?”
“You… scum.” Rowan snarled as a resounding ‘yes’ echoed throughout the mess hall. “I will have you all-”
“So we killed him in self-defense, that’s perfectly right according to the law, right?!” Eullina shouted to the crowd, and their answer caused ripples throughout the glasses of water. “Do you still want to fight, brat?”
Rowan opened his mouth to reply, but he surveyed around him and decided it was better to stand down. “I will remember you.” For a brief moment, Airen thought he saw a smile on his face.
Rowan stormed out with his servant trailing behind him. As he left, loud cheers followed his departure, and even louder cheering praised Eullina.
“...I never had you down as a champion of the people.” Airen complimented as they returned to their seats, ignoring the gazes that went their way.
“Both you and I were once nobles, Airen.” Eullina chugged down a beer that someone had bought her. “Assholes like him give us a bad name.”
“What if he comes back for revenge?”
“Pfft. You know as well as I do that he can’t wield a sword at all. If he does challenge me to a duel, it will be over in a few seconds. Plus, he can’t do anything on campus. No doubt someone has already spoke of this disturbance to the instructors.“
“As you say.” Airen replied. “But what happened to not drawing attention to ourselves?”
“…I forgot.” Eullina shrugged, as one the cooks bought over several dishes and more drinks. “Well, let’s just say I did it for the food!”
Airen simply shook his head as Eullina stuffed herself. He resigned himself to carrying Eullina home as she started downing the fourth cup of gin. Hopefully, their little scene would not cause them any problems…
Or do his hopes were dashed later that night with someone knocking on their door.