Chapter 44 - Lesson One

The first thing Vincent did was bring out a blackboard along with some chalk.

"Before I teach you anything, this is a must." [Vincent]

He took a piece of chalk and drew a large circle. Then, he added multiple shapes that resembled the appearance of continents.

"This is our planet, Ashtal. I think this might blow your mind, but it is round." [Vincent]

Vincent stared at me as if to see my reaction, but all he got was a blank expression.

"...Not really." [Solace]

"...Huh. I thought you'd be surprised. It used to be considered flat a few years ago." [Vincent]

("I mean… It was proven to be round in my previous life…") [Solace]

Seeing as I had a lack of surprise, Vincent moved on.

"Next, we have the continents. First, our country, Metus. It is one of the current superpowers of the world." [Vincent]

("One of the superpowers? Sounds like the gloating of every country ever.") [Solace]

Vincent drew small lines within the shapes. By the time it was done, it seemed like the entire planet had been mapped out.

"There are currently two hundred forty seven countries that exist. I won't tell you to memorize it all, but it is good to keep in mind." [Vincent]

He then erased the blackboard and motioned to Leyhna who was idling by to follow him.

"Leyhna, follow. You too, Solace." [Vincent]

"M'kay." [Leyhna]

"Uh… Yes… sir?" [Solace]

"Just call me Vincent." [Vincent]

He took us to the wall we arrived through, which still had me wondering why we entered through there.

"This is the only entrance to this room. Unfortunately, it is also the only exit." [Vincent]

"What? Isn't there a door here somewhere?" [Solace]

"Take a look around." [Vincent]

I scanned the room again. I noticed two white doors in the room and pointed at it with a puzzled look.

"Are those not the exit?" [Solace]

"Ah, that's for… storage. They're rooms holding weapons, props, and so on." [Vincent]

I looked at him with complete confusion.

"Can I ask why the only entrance is a wall we have to break through?" [Solace]

"That's because the building was renovated. This room wasn't very good aesthetic wise, so they "removed" it from the building." [Vincent]

I felt that there was a long story behind it, so I just dropped the subject.

"Okay, so what about the entrance?" [Solace]

"Can you break it?" [Vincent]

I glanced between Vincent and the wall.

"I… don't know? Probably?" [Solace]

"Break it then." [Vincent]

As he motioned for me to go ahead, Leyhna and Vincent stepped back for me.

"Um… I'll try my best?" [Solace]

I thought of which skill to use, but nothing came to mind.

("Eh, I'll just use a basic move.") [Solace]

"|Wind Edge|!" [Solace]

I fired off a thin blade of wind, but it dissipated as soon as it touched the wall.

"Huh?" [Solace]

"Try again." [Vincent]

Even though I wasn't sure what had happened to my |Wind Edge|, it wasn't going to stop me.

("Let's try something different.") [Solace]

"|Ashen Arrow|!" [Solace]

Just as I thought the arrow was going to stick into the wall, it crumbled on impact.

"...Vincent? Is there something you're not telling me?" [Solace]

Vincent smiled. It seems that he was indeed hiding something from me.

"This building is actually enchanted with magic resistance. If you want to break the wall, you're going to have to get physical." [Vincent]

"Physical…" [Solace]

Thinking back on it, Leyhna did break it with her fist.

"That's not a problem, but… Are you fine with me becoming naked?" [Solace]

"...Excuse me?" [Vincent]

"I'm thinking of going into my human form, but I come out naked when I do." [Solace]

Vincent stared at me blankly.

"Hm… That is a problem…" [Vincent]

"Oh, about that. I got you some clothes." [Leyhna]

"You did?" [Solace]

Leyhna strolled over to one of the white doors and entered through it. Moments later, she came out with a few bags in hand.

"I didn't know your size, so I just took one of every kind. Go ahead and try it on in there." [Leyhna]

She handed me the bags and ushered me into the storage room before closing the doors.

"...Let's see what she got me." [Solace]

I opened the bags and took a peek.

("This is…") [Solace]

I wasn't sure what was intended behind such clothes, but I had no choice but to wear it.

"Though I don't know what she's up to, I'll go along with it." [Solace]