In the training room, Leslie read the latest message.
“Tch... Apparently, Érica was delayed. She says she met someone who is helping her with her training.” Leslie muttered with a disappointed sigh as she read her friend’s message.
“So, who did we invite?” asked Nicole hesitantly.
In just a few minutes, Professor Miller would walk in and would surely say that training for the tournament started.
This week would be the end of registration, and they would have to prepare for the academic tournament.
Now, without Érica, their team was incomplete, and they needed one more member to at least get the minimum needed to take part.
Leslie, Érica and Clémentine glanced at the nearest person, and Aurora’s expression trembled.
She had no desire to participate.
It wasn’t as if she believed she was superior to the students or thought she would win easily, but she was paying attention to other matters.
She was working as Cithrel’s bodyguard while waiting for news about the big event that would eventually come.
It was not a pleasant wait.
“How about inviting Alexey or Cristian, Eva, Wendy, or Joslyn?” opined Aurora, giving all the names she could remember.
Each of them was a strong first-year student who stood out at a glance.
“They’ve all either formed their own teams or already belong to others.” Replied Leslie, rejecting her recommendation.
Aurora, who was getting an intense look from Leslie, was saved when Clémentine raised her hand.
“Maybe I know someone who can join,” Clémentine interjected and, with a smile, detailed. “She’s an air mage and you may know her. Dalia Abboud, she usually goes unnoticed.”
Aurora nodded, remembering that name.
She was one member who was during the near overflow of the natural dungeon caused by a demon, and she had to admit she was a quiet woman and went unnoticed.
“We’ll leave it to you,” Leslie commented with a sigh.
They were counting on Érica and preferred her because they had trained before and knew their partner’s ability.
Though if it wasn’t possible, they were experienced in cooperating with strangers and could work with someone else.
Chatting a bit about the tournament, after a couple of minutes, Andrés arrived and approached the group with a tired expression.
“Sorry for being late. Work is exhausting,” Andrés explained with a sigh and, the next moment, he muttered. “Although by the hour it’s a rookie workout.”
Aurora could tell Andrés was quite exhausted and, although she felt sympathy, she had to admit that he was putting more effort into both his work and study.
After half a minute later, Cithrel and Venali walked in, drawing the attention of everyone present as always, and that woman approached their group.
“Have you finished your business yet?” Aurora asked curiously.
Most of the time, they came to the academy together and while she didn’t need to accompany her inside, the first few classes always had her together.
However, today was different and Cithrel had retired to sort out some business that she didn’t explain too much.
“I’m done,” Cithrel replied and, seeing Aurora’s curious look, gave a smile and mysteriously commented. “You’ll find out in a moment.”
Aurora nodded and waited for Professor Miller’s arrival.
They were in the combat class, and most of this class would participate in the academic tournament.
Even if it wasn’t everyone, there were quite a few students who would, without hesitation, join the tournament.
While waiting for the professor to arrive, Aurora could notice a few groups ready and gathered.
Cristian, Wendy, Alexey, Eva, and Marc were leading their groups that were already assembled.
There were other groups already prepared and some students looking for other groups to join. However, those students were the most conspicuous because of their excellent performance.
It was not as if everyone would take part in the tournament in the group section. Other students wanted to participate in the individual part, not wanting to make groups.
In a way, the group tournament was not as attractive because of the disadvantage with other ranks.
In the group tournament, there were not so many rules and the groups could be composed of A-rank or B-rank skill users, and it was possible to intermingle.
For Aurora, the teachers would arrange the groups so that teams would face teams of similar ability, rather than face teams that could immediately disqualify them.
This tournament was for students to learn, and Director Vincent emphasized that point.
The academic tournament was laxer, very different from what would surely be the international tournament, which might have more rules.
After waiting several minutes after the start of class, Professor Miller entered and, to everyone’s surprise, a young man accompanied him.
He was quite handsome with light brown hair and light blue eyes, whose features turned out to give a greater seriousness to his face, and that he was wearing a wizard’s robe, gave a unique impression.
Aurora recognized the young man immediately, and it was impossible for her not to recognize him when he worked for her quite some time ago.
Unlike Akira, with whom she worked and interacted with often, with the young man they ended up being distant.
In those days, Aurora was different in attitude to who she was today, and in the end, they didn’t end up on good terms.
He and Akira were two students who were under her command, and while there was a third who was in between the two, that individual was usually a hard worker.
“Pay attention. From now on we will begin training so that we will prepare you for the academic tournament. Even though it is an academy tournament, don’t doubt the difficulty. There are second and third-year students who are B-ranks, but they have enormous experience and ability that completely surpasses you,” announced Professor Miller from the beginning.
Not everyone could move up the ranks and some were stuck at some specific ranks, however, that didn’t mean they were weak.
They made up for their strength with experience, hard work, and excellent equipment.
Those students who had already been on internships in different places and had gathered high experience were not to be underestimated.
“This will also serve those who participate in the international tournament. However, those people will have to put in double the effort if they want to have a chance of winning against the different academies taking part,” Professor Miller added and with a serious tone, he detailed. “You will face different individuals with unique skills and talents. Prepare in the best way.”
With that statement, Professor Miller signaled Venali to go ahead.
When Venali, with a serious expression, arrived at the professor’s side, and looked at the students casually, earning sighs from some students, both male and female.
Venali, with his handsome and androgynous appearance, won the hearts of both males and females and while his cool and aloof attitude attracted the female audience, some male students also liked that attitude.
“She’s making a lot of students doubt her sexuality...” Alice muttered in an amused tone, looking at the female students.
Aurora’s lips trembled, and she pretended she had heard nothing.
“They must know Venali Virsalor by now. As an individual from Terra nova. He has high magical abilities and is an experienced swordsman of Rank S. He has offered to help train you so that you can give it your all,” Professor Miller reported and then looking at the young man at his side and introduced. “Edward is a third-year student and a lightning mage of Rank S. Training with him will allow you to have another class of opponent.”
Having the students face opponents of higher ranks than them would help them improve faster, thanks to them not needing to hold back against such opponents.
The best thing was that on one side, there was a mage and the other a swordsman, having some diversity in combat style would help them when facing similar opponents.
Perhaps planning how to take out an S rank or at least try to.
“As for those students who have no desire to take part in the tournament, they will have the same training.” Professor Miller announced.
Andrés gave a sour look.
******
After finishing her part of training, Aurora used the cleaning device and at the same time, felt a refreshing breeze that soothed her muscles and mind.
“Thank you,” Aurora said, looking at Cithrel, who had performed that spell.
Aurora could guess that it was an air, mental and healing magic spell, which probably helped revitalize the entire body.
While she wasn’t sure of her idea, she believed that if Cithrel turned the spell into an artifact, she could earn a lot of money.
Cithrel just gave a smile and watched the training the other students were doing.
There was only a small group of students in this room, training in different sections or with each other.
The only one who was not training was Alice, who, with her inseparable bag of chips, watched as her group trained with other students.
Clémentine, Érica and Leslie against Alexey’s five-member group.
Since Clémentine was an A-Rank, they gave the advantage to the other group to even out the match a bit.
Even though Alexey used her water magic trying to stop Clémentine along with two companions, the psionic was powerful and they were no match for her.
Unlike Cithrel, Aurora’s gaze landed on Venali.
He was facing Marc, who was trying to attack him boldly, without succeeding.
Marc did not like the Falion Empire and its people.
He was someone who showed his dislike in a training and it was for that reason; he tried to hit his opponent, perhaps wanting to ridicule him.
It was easy to notice such intentions and Venali didn’t care, but instead hit him with his wooden sword, dodging with simplicity and at the same time pointing out mistakes with ease.
For a young man, Venali was someone who, as a swordsman, seemed anything but simple.
“I thought you guys would try to take part in the tournament,” Aurora commented honestly.
In the academic tournament, there wasn’t an S-rank section, that was because there weren’t that many students of that rank and even among those who were in the third year.
However, it was different with the international tournament where S-ranks could be found, present from other academies.
The ‘new generation’ had a high number of rank ups and that was quite normal in the past few years.
“No. It would bring a terrible reputation to the academy if I decide to take part in the international tournament,” Cithrel said, and looking at Venali, who was finishing his opponent in an instant, she added. “Some would think we are cheating.”
Aurora looked at that elf, not understanding how others would think they could cheat.
“I’m 25 years old and at the academy, they only accept students up to the age of 21, with a few exceptions. Us being here is already a big concession on the academy’s part,” Cithrel explained and then, touching her long ear, she commented. “Besides, I’m a half-elf. Everyone might think I’m hundreds of years old and confuse me.”
Having a long life meant they would age slowly, and it was normal to mistake a young elf girl in her hundreds for a young elf girl in her twenties and vice versa.
In this case, both Cithrel and Venali were quite young and as individuals part of the Falion Empire, it was probably not a good thing to provoke a bad image.
Aurora understood those unspoken words and nodded calmly, leaving Cithrel to watch the combat.
Just as she was about to approach Alice to ask if she wanted breakfast, she noticed Edward enter the room.
When their gazes met, he gave a soft smile and after a few seconds of looking at each other; he stepped forward to approach.
“Sorry for not coming to greet you for the first half of the year,” Edward said and with a half-smile, he added. “And I also apologize for not communicating during this time. I’ve been training to become an S-Rank. I’ve already achieved it though.”
He was a little uncomfortable, and it was visible by the half-smile he gave.
“Congratulations,” Aurora replied with a truly honest smile.
Edward was someone who had a unique talent for lightning magic and his greatest asset wasn’t the affinity for that element, but the enormous source of magical energy.
Terrifying enough that he could cast spells more powerful than any mage of his own rank.
While she didn’t have too much of a hand in the promotion, Aurora was always happy for an acquaintance to rise in rank and was pleased that Edward had progressed on his own, without stagnating.
“As for the communicating thing, don’t worry, it’s not that big of a deal,” Aurora said with a shrug.
If Aurora was honest, she couldn’t deny that she had a hard time maintaining friendships and acquaintances.
She could excuse herself by saying she had work, but it was undeniable that she could call or send a few messages and in the end, she didn’t and for that reason; she would not bother with the young man.
As for needing help, they were both independent and proud enough not to ask for help.
Edward differed greatly from Akira, who could talk until three o’clock in the morning or could arrive suddenly to ask her out.
Akira sent messages about the missions they could carry out together when their group went to Japan, and such messages were proof that this young woman was excellent at maintaining friendship.
While there was an awkward silence at first, when they both let out a laugh, they talked about what they did over the years.
Happenings in Africa, important and not so important events, Edward’s plans and topics as important, as simple.
Years ago, when they both met, Edward was arrogant and didn’t like to work under two ‘girls’ even though they were a year apart.
And those conflicts for Aurora seemed like part of the past, one far in the distant past.
Aurora wouldn’t deny that, in that moment, she too had her negative side, and it was enough to admit that they had both changed.
While she was looser when approaching others, Edward showed his charisma, mixing it with a certain solemnity that sometimes disappeared when he gave smiles and what stood out the most was the humility he showed.
“This year I will finish the academy and I want to join the heroes guild to see if I can change it from the inside,” Edward explained with a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
The heroes’ guild supported, registered, and managed heroes all over the world and, although it was admired, it had its flaws.
The biggest criticism was that they were not as participatory in the events that plagued the world and in which heroes could be of help and for someone to make them more participatory would turn out to be quite good.
“That’s great,” Aurora said and after thinking about it, she gave an enthusiastic smile and commented. “It would be nice if they included new programs to support heroes from distant areas and stop focusing on cities.”
The number of heroes was greater in the cities than in rural areas or areas in precarious where there were greater problems.
If the hero guild itself encouraged a change in the trend, it was likely that, in the future, more and more heroes would go to areas where they needed their strength.
As was Africa or the lawless lands.
“That’s an excellent proposal,” Edward replied and with an amused smile, joked. “When I reach on becoming a guild ‘executive,’. I will invite you to become my advisor. This time I’ll be the boss. So I’ll feel better.”
Aurora laughed at that comment.
He accepted that at that moment he had a certain animosity against them for being his bosses and he admitted they were nonsense from the past.
A nonsense that Aurora didn’t mind either, and less so when they were both young.
In the training room, Leslie read the latest message.
“Tch... Apparently, Érica was delayed. She says she met someone who is helping her with her training.” Leslie muttered with a disappointed sigh as she read her friend’s message.
“So, who did we invite?” asked Nicole hesitantly.
In just a few minutes, Professor Miller would walk in and would surely say that training for the tournament started.
This week would be the end of registration, and they would have to prepare for the academic tournament.
Now, without Érica, their team was incomplete, and they needed one more member to at least get the minimum needed to take part.
Leslie, Érica and Clémentine glanced at the nearest person, and Aurora’s expression trembled.
She had no desire to participate.
It wasn’t as if she believed she was superior to the students or thought she would win easily, but she was paying attention to other matters.
She was working as Cithrel’s bodyguard while waiting for news about the big event that would eventually come.
It was not a pleasant wait.
“How about inviting Alexey or Cristian, Eva, Wendy, or Joslyn?” opined Aurora, giving all the names she could remember.
Each of them was a strong first-year student who stood out at a glance.
“They’ve all either formed their own teams or already belong to others.” Replied Leslie, rejecting her recommendation.
Aurora, who was getting an intense look from Leslie, was saved when Clémentine raised her hand.
“Maybe I know someone who can join,” Clémentine interjected and, with a smile, detailed. “She’s an air mage and you may know her. Dalia Abboud, she usually goes unnoticed.”
Aurora nodded, remembering that name.
She was one member who was during the near overflow of the natural dungeon caused by a demon, and she had to admit she was a quiet woman and went unnoticed.
“We’ll leave it to you,” Leslie commented with a sigh.
They were counting on Érica and preferred her because they had trained before and knew their partner’s ability.
Though if it wasn’t possible, they were experienced in cooperating with strangers and could work with someone else.
Chatting a bit about the tournament, after a couple of minutes, Andrés arrived and approached the group with a tired expression.
“Sorry for being late. Work is exhausting,” Andrés explained with a sigh and, the next moment, he muttered. “Although by the hour it’s a rookie workout.”
Aurora could tell Andrés was quite exhausted and, although she felt sympathy, she had to admit that he was putting more effort into both his work and study.
After half a minute later, Cithrel and Venali walked in, drawing the attention of everyone present as always, and that woman approached their group.
“Have you finished your business yet?” Aurora asked curiously.
Most of the time, they came to the academy together and while she didn’t need to accompany her inside, the first few classes always had her together.
However, today was different and Cithrel had retired to sort out some business that she didn’t explain too much.
“I’m done,” Cithrel replied and, seeing Aurora’s curious look, gave a smile and mysteriously commented. “You’ll find out in a moment.”
Aurora nodded and waited for Professor Miller’s arrival.
They were in the combat class, and most of this class would participate in the academic tournament.
Even if it wasn’t everyone, there were quite a few students who would, without hesitation, join the tournament.
While waiting for the professor to arrive, Aurora could notice a few groups ready and gathered.
Cristian, Wendy, Alexey, Eva, and Marc were leading their groups that were already assembled.
There were other groups already prepared and some students looking for other groups to join. However, those students were the most conspicuous because of their excellent performance.
It was not as if everyone would take part in the tournament in the group section. Other students wanted to participate in the individual part, not wanting to make groups.
In a way, the group tournament was not as attractive because of the disadvantage with other ranks.
In the group tournament, there were not so many rules and the groups could be composed of A-rank or B-rank skill users, and it was possible to intermingle.
For Aurora, the teachers would arrange the groups so that teams would face teams of similar ability, rather than face teams that could immediately disqualify them.
This tournament was for students to learn, and Director Vincent emphasized that point.
The academic tournament was laxer, very different from what would surely be the international tournament, which might have more rules.
After waiting several minutes after the start of class, Professor Miller entered and, to everyone’s surprise, a young man accompanied him.
He was quite handsome with light brown hair and light blue eyes, whose features turned out to give a greater seriousness to his face, and that he was wearing a wizard’s robe, gave a unique impression.
Aurora recognized the young man immediately, and it was impossible for her not to recognize him when he worked for her quite some time ago.
Unlike Akira, with whom she worked and interacted with often, with the young man they ended up being distant.
In those days, Aurora was different in attitude to who she was today, and in the end, they didn’t end up on good terms.
He and Akira were two students who were under her command, and while there was a third who was in between the two, that individual was usually a hard worker.
“Pay attention. From now on we will begin training so that we will prepare you for the academic tournament. Even though it is an academy tournament, don’t doubt the difficulty. There are second and third-year students who are B-ranks, but they have enormous experience and ability that completely surpasses you,” announced Professor Miller from the beginning.
Not everyone could move up the ranks and some were stuck at some specific ranks, however, that didn’t mean they were weak.
They made up for their strength with experience, hard work, and excellent equipment.
Those students who had already been on internships in different places and had gathered high experience were not to be underestimated.
“This will also serve those who participate in the international tournament. However, those people will have to put in double the effort if they want to have a chance of winning against the different academies taking part,” Professor Miller added and with a serious tone, he detailed. “You will face different individuals with unique skills and talents. Prepare in the best way.”
With that statement, Professor Miller signaled Venali to go ahead.
When Venali, with a serious expression, arrived at the professor’s side, and looked at the students casually, earning sighs from some students, both male and female.
Venali, with his handsome and androgynous appearance, won the hearts of both males and females and while his cool and aloof attitude attracted the female audience, some male students also liked that attitude.
“She’s making a lot of students doubt her sexuality...” Alice muttered in an amused tone, looking at the female students.
Aurora’s lips trembled, and she pretended she had heard nothing.
“They must know Venali Virsalor by now. As an individual from Terra nova. He has high magical abilities and is an experienced swordsman of Rank S. He has offered to help train you so that you can give it your all,” Professor Miller reported and then looking at the young man at his side and introduced. “Edward is a third-year student and a lightning mage of Rank S. Training with him will allow you to have another class of opponent.”
Having the students face opponents of higher ranks than them would help them improve faster, thanks to them not needing to hold back against such opponents.
The best thing was that on one side, there was a mage and the other a swordsman, having some diversity in combat style would help them when facing similar opponents.
Perhaps planning how to take out an S rank or at least try to.
“As for those students who have no desire to take part in the tournament, they will have the same training.” Professor Miller announced.
Andrés gave a sour look.
******
After finishing her part of training, Aurora used the cleaning device and at the same time, felt a refreshing breeze that soothed her muscles and mind.
“Thank you,” Aurora said, looking at Cithrel, who had performed that spell.
Aurora could guess that it was an air, mental and healing magic spell, which probably helped revitalize the entire body.
While she wasn’t sure of her idea, she believed that if Cithrel turned the spell into an artifact, she could earn a lot of money.
Cithrel just gave a smile and watched the training the other students were doing.
There was only a small group of students in this room, training in different sections or with each other.
The only one who was not training was Alice, who, with her inseparable bag of chips, watched as her group trained with other students.
Clémentine, Érica and Leslie against Alexey’s five-member group.
Since Clémentine was an A-Rank, they gave the advantage to the other group to even out the match a bit.
Even though Alexey used her water magic trying to stop Clémentine along with two companions, the psionic was powerful and they were no match for her.
Unlike Cithrel, Aurora’s gaze landed on Venali.
He was facing Marc, who was trying to attack him boldly, without succeeding.
Marc did not like the Falion Empire and its people.
He was someone who showed his dislike in a training and it was for that reason; he tried to hit his opponent, perhaps wanting to ridicule him.
It was easy to notice such intentions and Venali didn’t care, but instead hit him with his wooden sword, dodging with simplicity and at the same time pointing out mistakes with ease.
For a young man, Venali was someone who, as a swordsman, seemed anything but simple.
“I thought you guys would try to take part in the tournament,” Aurora commented honestly.
In the academic tournament, there wasn’t an S-rank section, that was because there weren’t that many students of that rank and even among those who were in the third year.
However, it was different with the international tournament where S-ranks could be found, present from other academies.
The ‘new generation’ had a high number of rank ups and that was quite normal in the past few years.
“No. It would bring a terrible reputation to the academy if I decide to take part in the international tournament,” Cithrel said, and looking at Venali, who was finishing his opponent in an instant, she added. “Some would think we are cheating.”
Aurora looked at that elf, not understanding how others would think they could cheat.
“I’m 25 years old and at the academy, they only accept students up to the age of 21, with a few exceptions. Us being here is already a big concession on the academy’s part,” Cithrel explained and then, touching her long ear, she commented. “Besides, I’m a half-elf. Everyone might think I’m hundreds of years old and confuse me.”
Having a long life meant they would age slowly, and it was normal to mistake a young elf girl in her hundreds for a young elf girl in her twenties and vice versa.
In this case, both Cithrel and Venali were quite young and as individuals part of the Falion Empire, it was probably not a good thing to provoke a bad image.
Aurora understood those unspoken words and nodded calmly, leaving Cithrel to watch the combat.
Just as she was about to approach Alice to ask if she wanted breakfast, she noticed Edward enter the room.
When their gazes met, he gave a soft smile and after a few seconds of looking at each other; he stepped forward to approach.
“Sorry for not coming to greet you for the first half of the year,” Edward said and with a half-smile, he added. “And I also apologize for not communicating during this time. I’ve been training to become an S-Rank. I’ve already achieved it though.”
He was a little uncomfortable, and it was visible by the half-smile he gave.
“Congratulations,” Aurora replied with a truly honest smile.
Edward was someone who had a unique talent for lightning magic and his greatest asset wasn’t the affinity for that element, but the enormous source of magical energy.
Terrifying enough that he could cast spells more powerful than any mage of his own rank.
While she didn’t have too much of a hand in the promotion, Aurora was always happy for an acquaintance to rise in rank and was pleased that Edward had progressed on his own, without stagnating.
“As for the communicating thing, don’t worry, it’s not that big of a deal,” Aurora said with a shrug.
If Aurora was honest, she couldn’t deny that she had a hard time maintaining friendships and acquaintances.
She could excuse herself by saying she had work, but it was undeniable that she could call or send a few messages and in the end, she didn’t and for that reason; she would not bother with the young man.
As for needing help, they were both independent and proud enough not to ask for help.
Edward differed greatly from Akira, who could talk until three o’clock in the morning or could arrive suddenly to ask her out.
Akira sent messages about the missions they could carry out together when their group went to Japan, and such messages were proof that this young woman was excellent at maintaining friendship.
While there was an awkward silence at first, when they both let out a laugh, they talked about what they did over the years.
Happenings in Africa, important and not so important events, Edward’s plans and topics as important, as simple.
Years ago, when they both met, Edward was arrogant and didn’t like to work under two ‘girls’ even though they were a year apart.
And those conflicts for Aurora seemed like part of the past, one far in the distant past.
Aurora wouldn’t deny that, in that moment, she too had her negative side, and it was enough to admit that they had both changed.
While she was looser when approaching others, Edward showed his charisma, mixing it with a certain solemnity that sometimes disappeared when he gave smiles and what stood out the most was the humility he showed.
“This year I will finish the academy and I want to join the heroes guild to see if I can change it from the inside,” Edward explained with a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
The heroes’ guild supported, registered, and managed heroes all over the world and, although it was admired, it had its flaws.
The biggest criticism was that they were not as participatory in the events that plagued the world and in which heroes could be of help and for someone to make them more participatory would turn out to be quite good.
“That’s great,” Aurora said and after thinking about it, she gave an enthusiastic smile and commented. “It would be nice if they included new programs to support heroes from distant areas and stop focusing on cities.”
The number of heroes was greater in the cities than in rural areas or areas in precarious where there were greater problems.
If the hero guild itself encouraged a change in the trend, it was likely that, in the future, more and more heroes would go to areas where they needed their strength.
As was Africa or the lawless lands.
“That’s an excellent proposal,” Edward replied and with an amused smile, joked. “When I reach on becoming a guild ‘executive,’. I will invite you to become my advisor. This time I’ll be the boss. So I’ll feel better.”
Aurora laughed at that comment.
He accepted that at that moment he had a certain animosity against them for being his bosses and he admitted they were nonsense from the past.
A nonsense that Aurora didn’t mind either, and less so when they were both young.
