Cold air strewn past me as I swiftly weaved to the side, narrowly avoiding a sharp gust of air that raced behind me. I staggered back,, and with a turn of my heels, I greeted my assailant who chuckled when he saw my eyes give him a glower. He put his arms behind his back, walking casually to where I was.
Xion… the human electric fan, or maybe air cannon.
He raised a hand in the air, signifying that we should at least take five, and so I allowed myself a moment of respite. I bent down and took a few deep breaths.
"Tired already, we were at it for a good hour huh?"
"You think? If my Principal beat me like this in an actual government, you'd be in jeopardy sir."
I shot him a smirk to that made him crack a small smile. He soon walked over to pat me in the back as sweat dripped from my face and to the ground below.
"For a first day the first day of training, this was really good. But you did ask for me to make you stronger, yes?"
I gave him a nod, exhaling sharply before taking in yet another deep breath. He did say that this was magic training… but why was it all running, dodging, and trying my best to not gain a bruise on my body?
"S-Sorry for asking, but why am I training my body? Wasn't this magic training or something similar?"
Xion took a short pause, tapping his soles against the loamy soil we stood on. We were inside the same area, complete with the pagoda and the misty terrain that surrounded it. Yesterday I ran here thinking that it was only the sprint that tuckered me out, but no… that was definitely not the case.
"This place is a key part in awakening an Epico's genes, allowing it to develop and manifest. Right now, you may as well have a ton of power inside of you, ready to burst, but if you never train your body, then all of that is for naught. You would never be able to channel it."
He paused for a bit and stroked his chin His eyes were aimed at the sky as his lips puckered, deep in thought. After a few moments the Principal beamed and got closer to a riverbed just a few meters away from us and with a tap of his sole, part of it branched out, seemingly forming a small pocket of water by the riverside.
"That… That hole is you."
He paused for a few seconds and stared at the hole, only to find it overflowing and unable to control the amount it stores.
"That is you without training Pyre. Do you get it now?"
It soon clicked together, like actual magic; my abilities are useless if I am using a bad channel or container for it. Thus, it wouldn't work. Nothing would come out of it…
I mopped my brows and with a groan, I carried on. I bent my legs, and with a gentle push against the ground I stood on, I began sprinting around the small facility, weaving and dodging through the planted bamboo. This went on for about three hours more before I rested…
After that stunt, light started to dance around the edge of my vision and the scenery started to sway. I forced a few breaths down my throat, which was drier than the Sahara. Currently, I was sitting on the grass, its soft blades tickling my hands that were planted on the floor.
"Never… Again…"
I allowed myself to take in more air, hoping that I'd simply suck it all in, but to no avail… That was when I heard a soft chuckle as a towel draped over my head.
"You overworked yourself this time. Make sure you don't fall asleep in class today, understood?"
I swiftly rubbed the towel against my face, soaking up whatever fluid exited my face. After drying myself, I turned to where the towel came from to see my trainer who looked at me with a frown. I returned his sentiments with a soft grin.
"Sure, well are we done training for today Sir Xion"
He gave me a nod and so I stood up, pulling against my clothes to loosen it up before exiting the room. My mentor, he followed closely behind, closing the training area behind us. I was about to exit his room when he stopped me with a steely voice.
"Stop, take these clothes. I also have one that you wear right away."
He instructed me as he wobbled on over with a massive bag and some clothes on the top. I was afraid that he was about to send me off with that amount, but I remembered that I had to actually stay here now. With a smile, I accepted the luggage only for me to find that they were and absolute struggle to carry.
"Ggh! T-This… Thanks Sir!"
"Alright, do not forget to take care of the fox… It will be her first time breaking the mold and entering her own classes, but here's hoping that she does well."
I gritted my teeth and forced a smile, giving Xion one big, toothy, grin before I walked away. I hoped that assured him enough…
With that, I exited the Xion's room, finding my way back to that same hallway. After a few moments of moving about, I found my way to the room assigned to both me and Shan… It was well, a wooden door embroidered with flame and air symbols made out of metal.
There were two knobs affixed to them, and so I pulled out my key, allowing my wobbly hands to jam it inside. Yet, with a soft clink, the key fell to the floor. I bent down to pick it up, jamming it as soon as I could. The door then opened, revealing an Eden of sorts, for both me and Shan at least.
The room had two beds, and linoleum flooring that was of a sky blue color. The walls were a darker shade of blue lined with numerous posters from various media. Anime, Manga, there were also actual copies of light novels that lined the shelves inside the room. As soon as I entered, I saw Shan already dressed and preparing her items for school
She blinked twice before her mouth started to open upon realizing that I was back.
"P-Pyre? Welcome… Let's get ready for class, yes?"
She tilted her head to the side as she gave me a soft smile.
However, I never answered her. I just let out a long sigh and set my bag on the floor before rolling my eyes. I was tired… But she still tried to talk...
"Hello… How was the training…?"
Shan looked at me as she combed her white hair to the side using her fingers.
"Hell. This wasn't the life we lived and I am sure you know it."
The lady let out a soft chuckle, covering her mouth with the sleeves of her uniform.
"It's only like that at first, I'm sure your body will slowly get used to it."
Pardon? Me and my lungs would like to debate.
I dismissed the idea of an argument as I threw my arms behind my head, and with yet another groan, I lay on the bed, my clothes still soaked with sweat. It was at this moment that the fox girl looked at me with a frown.
"Umm… Please do not lie down… the bed might smell bad and I just aired it out… so…"
Shan's eyes shifted to the side, dodging my gaze when I looked at her.
"Five minutes please… I will be done as soon as I feel rested."
"B-But the bed would have s-soaked by then!"
"Nope, no can do!"
And much like a balloon, I effortlessly floated in the air as Shan aimed her palm at my body. Her hand enveloped by a light blue aura as she did her magic trick.
"Sorry… But can you please take a quick shower first…? Not to mention we both have to attend class… so please…"
Seeing her dejected face look over to the side, I let out a sigh.
"Fine, set me down then I'll do as you say."
Shan raised her head, focusing on me as she slowly lowered her hand. After a few moments of descent and a small huff, I felt the ground beneath my feet.
"There… now can you please do what you have to do…?"
She clasped her hands together and pleaded, showcasing her large beady eyes.
Goddammit thank the stars you're adorable. Soon after that woman's stunt, I entered the bath and after we both finished our preparations for school, the two of us headed out the room. With a soft click, Shan pulled the door's knob, locking it.
I was currently wearing a shirt lent to me by Xion. It was a simple white and green polo shirt, some jeans, and a pair of rubber shoes that had some obscure brand to them? They were black and resembled leather shoes, but they were certainly lighter and slip resistant which I loved. The old man also provided me with a brown leather bag that contained a pen and a notebook.
"Those clothes look great on you…"
Shan looked at me with a red face, her eyes shifting when I met her gaze with mine.
"Yeah, likewise, by the way, what class were we taking again?"
"H-Historical Epico and their powers…"
She leaned forward with a skip in her step. Shan seemed lively for some reason and so I chose not to ruin it for her.
"I… I see. I'm pretty excited too."
"You can actually be pretty nice if you tried to… I guess?"
And what made her think I was abrasive all the time? I just wasn't enjoying the hand that was dealt to me with Xion and so I had to at least speak my mind for once. I scratched my cheek as a drop of sweat rolled down it.
"S-Sure… Maybe?"
A tense air hung over the two of us as we walked to class; however, on our way there we couldn't help but notice the number of students in black clothing. They wore red headbands on their head and constantly looked around as they got by. Seeing as we weren't bothered by them, Shan and I casually headed to the room we were supposed to have classes in.
In a few moments, the room came into view. It resembled an actual classroom, complete with bulletin boards at the back of the room, windows, chairs; the entire package. I was excited to see the new room since it somehow resembled my old classroom which I now missed thanks to the bizarre situation life handed me. Without hesitation, I walked over to the room's door and with a light twist, it swung open revealing the people who will soon be part of my class… and I have to say, this really doesn't feel good in terms of enrollee numbers.
There were only about ten to eleven people in the class apart from me and Shan, most of which I already knew. Cora sat at the far end of the room, scribbling something in a notebook. Adria sat beside Robert at another corner, talking to the poor man who nodded off as she spoke, and that guy who fought the fake Shan yesterday. He looked at my pal with disdain. The man's forehead was creased and his brows were crossed. With a huff, he stood from his chair and walked over to Shan, towering over her figure which was about a solid five feet.
"You… I will get you next time."
"U-Ummm… Who are you…"
The fox laughed nervously, prancing behind me as she hugged my arm. Who would have thought that a legendary creature like her would be this timid?
The man however, instead of feeling angry, walked back to his seat, delivering one line as he sat down.
"It seems that I am not even worthy of having my name remembered… That shows that I still have a ways to go before she may recognize me."
I feel sad for the man. If only he knew that the person he battled yesterday wasn't actually the fox but someone else that was way above his limits.
Scanning the room after that incident, it seems that there might just be more students than what I expected. Huddled in the corner of the room was a resident pretty boy and two women apart from the others I have mentioned. He had silvery white hair, bright gold eyes that seemed to resemble that of a goat's eyeball, and a tall lean stature. By my estimate he seemed to come in at a solid six to seven feet tall, with a body that seemed like he hit the gym almost daily.
No wonder this man was popular amongst the ladies of the class. They flocked to him when they had the chance with the exception of Adria, who was clearly too smitten to be shaken, Cora who really didn't care, and Shan who just arrived.
The guy was also extremely extravagant. He wore a gold chain around his neck, a black hoodie, a t-shirt that had a bright red supreme logo on it, some jeans, and expensive basketball shoes that almost sparkled when the light hit them.
He looked at me with those eyes and with sneer he made himself known. In an anime, his trope would be the guy you want to hit. He glanced over me before his jaw dropped open so that he may release the first batch of dumpster fire that came from it.
"Oh boy, where, oh where did you get that look? The dollar store?"
The man had the audacity to call such an elegant and simple shirt bad… The one thing an anime main character wore… his trusty gear, what a disgrace!
"You say that as if you didn't look like a walking gold mine of angst and insecurities."
The man laughed as the gold necklace on his neck jangled. He stood up, zipping his black jacket to a close before walking towards me with wide eyes and crossed brows. It was at this moment that the phrase "smoke puffed out his nostrils" became a reality, because this man really did just that.
"What did you just say to me, you punk?!"
"Do you need me to repeat it, or does little Timmy need an ego boost from the ladies?"
The guy raised his fist, but just when he was about to hit my face, the knob to the room twisted and with a soft click, it revealed Xion who now wore a brown vest and a green long sleeve polo underneath. He stared at us for a second as the man lowered his fist and let out a huff that smelled similar to ground up grass. I wonder why?
"Watch where you walk at night… You might trip on something you don't want to fall into."
"Thank you for the kind reminder, but I do not intend to go out of my room in the evenings."
He let out growl as I smiled at his retreating figure. With a faint jangle from his necklace, the man returned to his seat and by the time I realized it, Shan had already sat beside the man, just one seat to his right. Me? Oh boy, I am not an idiot. I sat beside Cora who calmly wrote away all her worries. Setting my bag to the floor, I turned to greet her.
"Good Morning… Sorry for leaving on a short notice yesterday."
Cora's gaze glossed over me. She covered her mouth and let out a soft yawn before responding as she rubbed her eyes using her fingers.
"How was your meeting with Xion?"
I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head as Cora silently nodded in response.
My turn to ask then…
"I noticed that you and some students were wearing red headbands, for what reason though?"
I turned to gaze at her red headband which covered her forehead. Her eyes however looked away as she explained.
"Discipline Committee, do not inquire too much."
"I-I see…"
"It's fine, I am glad to give you an answer… By the way, what power did Xion say you have?"
But just as I was about to answer her question, a cough came from behind me with Cora immediately looking away after we both realized the all too familiar voice. We heard the faint sound of a finger tapping on my arm rest accompanied by the faint flutter of the Polo shirt fabric.
"Pyre, you're being quite noisy on the first day of class? Aren't you?"
"N-No sir!"
Please for the love of God, I have had enough air bullets!
The Principal's eyes narrowed before his lips curved into a smile. A strong aura surrounded him as he tapped his shoes on the ground.
"Good… then we should get started soon."
Xion walked up in front, setting his own bag on a desk before he started to speak.
And just like that, my first day as an actual Epico began