In the Emeralkan Academy, there are no year levels, but instead, they are split into four categories that follow the four stages of Imagi.
Even if you're the older one but you are only at the Puppeteer stage, you are at the lowest ranking. This level is called the Pups which is just a pun within the Emeralkan Academy.
Of course, the common people still lower their heads to these "Pups" and don't know that they are called as such.
After the Pups, following the four stages, we get the Reformer Grade, then the Spirit Seniors, and, lastly, the Academy Elites.
In general, all at the Academy Elites are elders except for Merim.
The majority of the Emeralkan Academy were still Pups, about nineteen of them, then there are around twelve Reformers, ten Senior Spirits, and eight Academy Elites, totaling about forty-nine people.
These people are the pride of Hramm City. Each of them was taken care of very specially. Of course, the higher the stage, the richer. Once became a Puppeteer, they instantly gain the Baron title. Reformers; a Viscount, Spirits; a Count, and lastly, Creators; a Marquiss.
That is the least. If an Imagi gives enough contribution, they can easily rank up. That is their special privilege which is why almost everyone aspires to become an Imagi.
In other words, there are forty-nine nobles right now in one location. But as of now, with the appearance of the Emeralkan Principal, they enjoy none of the privileges that were just mentioned.
Currently, they were making their own tents. One of the Academy Elites, Hresha, had already provided tents for herself and the other seven. She specializes in weapon-making.
Hresha a.k.a the Limitless Forger. Considered the richest Imagi in Hramm City as she was the main producer of weapons and armors as that's what she specializes in. Not all Imagis are fighters. Sometimes, having one providing logistics is much better than the fighters. She is the second youngest out of the eight Academy Elites. So she still retains some of her youth and beauty, making the students idolize her.
As expected, the Spirits were next on finishing their settlements, the Reformers were next, and lastly, the Pups.
After they finished, they were sent out to gather games as fast as possible. The Pups are split into five groups. The strongest of them only have four members as they are only a total of nineteen Pups.
They are stationed in their respective positions. Before stationing them, Merim would scout the area and find the safest to the most dangerous spots.
Based on their levels and power, they were fairly distributed among the stations. The four-person Pup Team was placed before the stations of the Reformers.
In this team, there are two young men, a middle-aged man, and a late teenage girl.
The middle-aged man acted as the team leader since he had the most experience. His name is Kurtan. Kurtan is an experienced Puppeteer. Even though he is had yet to reach the Reforming Stage at such an age, he was not belittled by others.
"Jarem, scout the place."
He ordered and continued.
"Wey, create the storage for our hunt. Tawn, you will support me once Jarem made the signal."
None replied to him but just nodded their heads and obeyed. Jarem controlled his own body, lifting himself up in the air, and began to fly over the trees to scout. Wey, the female Imagi began to create a shed-like structure by picking up sticks of wood on top of each other. Finally, Tawn went behind the Kurtan.
Primarily, Puppeteering is flexible. You don't need to have a strong affinity towards an object to make it move as you will. Although Reforming is the freest, Puppeteering has its own level.
Of course, each of them has their own profession and is better in their own field than the others.
Stages of Imagi, Affinity, and Professions create a diverse community of Imagis which let them have their own unique roles.
But still, all of them were fairly armored defending on their liking. Like Jarem, a scout, he has light leather armor for easily fly through the air.
The day was past high noon, reaching afternoon. Kurtan and Tawn waited for Jarem's signal. With clear eyesight, the two saw Jarem pointed his fist up but not straight towards the sky. If likened to a hand of a clock, he was pointing at 2 o'clock.
"Okay, two beasts. Wey, Tawn's spear and my sword and shield."
The two ran towards where Jarem was pointing with his left hand. However, as soon as they got close, Tawn noticed Jarem changing the position of his arm.
"... now it became one."
Kurtan looked up and noticed this as well. He was a little puzzled at first sight two before his pupils contracted the moment he realized it.
"A fist for a beast and an open palm for a human! Since that area is still covered by our station, it means that this human is not one of us Emeralkans!"
Tawn gulped as he realized what Kurtan was trying to convey.
'A person in trouble.'
The speed of the two got quicker before they heard a shout.
"Help! You're an Imagi, right? Please, help me!"
The voice was thin so this person should be young or a female. But whatever this person's identity is, they have to help!
Kurtan finally reached the area with Tawn following him. What they saw immediately freak them up.
A boar is chasing a young seemingly beggar!
"Kid, get behind me!" Kurtan immediately said. However, the kid with no left arm, left eye, and right ear was panicking and tripped on an overgrowth.
"Tsk!"
Kurtan rushed forward. He lifted himself up to get faster went in front of the kid just in time before the boar hit him. He then used Puppeteering to slow down the boar and make one of its legs disoriented, making it also trip.
Squeek*
After it tumbled in front Kurtan, he bashed the edge of his shield and pierced the boar's belly with his sword. Each hit was accompanied by Puppeteering, making him faster and thus, stronger.
In a series of actions, Kurtan deftly killed a boar that would need hunters time, preparation, and effort to kill.