Friday morning at sunrise. I got up super early and prepared for my upcoming journey and just as the first sunrays fell through the trees a small airship appeared. Mister Caloman and ms Rye, came to pick me up.
10 minutes later they landed. Well they didn't land they hovered.
While watching this scene unfold, I was particularly interested in the airship.
It consisted of two air containers, one on each side and the shiny metal body. It's slim design was perfectly made to reduce friction. In the back, above a small door, was a magic crystal. The black crystal, that was roughly one meter long and half a meter wide, is the engine of the ship. It can be charged with mana and therefore function as a battery for spells. The spell used for an airship often is a simple propulsion spell, casted by high level wind casters.
Since I am a wind caster I can actually see the runes floating behind the crystal. These runes prove that the spell is active, if they disappear, the airship will crash.
That is also one of the reasons why only wind casters are allowed to fly these ships, since they are the only ones that are able to see the spell.
While examinating the ship I must've gotte so distracted, that I didn't notice mr Caloman waving through the cockpits window. He waved at me and than pointed at the back.
As I looked there, a small door opened and ms Rye stepped out.
"Good morning Sho, do you have everything?"
I nodded slowly.
"Good, than let's go."
And just like that she turned around and walked back to the ship, with a small gesture she told me to follow her. I picked up my bag and followed her inside.
The inside was somewhat small, yet comfortably decorated. On the right was a small round table with four chairs around it. The left wall was filled with bookshelves and through the door, in the front, was the cockpit. I was amazed by all the advanced technology in there, even the pilots seat was special, being able to turn freely in any direction. It was able to do that because of a giant gyroscope, enabling the pilot to always sit parallel to the ground.
After looking around I sat down next to ms Rye and not long after, we took of into the rising sun.
The flight itself was rather unspectacular, and yet I was excited, maybe even a little anxious.
After roughly ten hours the sun was already setting and out of no where, Mr Caloman got up and went back to the cockpit. For the last few hours he sat with us and talked not having anything else to do, since we just flew straight all day.
"We are approaching the cooperation, please stay seated from now on. By the way Sho if you look through the left window, you can see the training grounds."
I did what he said and immediately was lost for words. The training grounds, what he called them, were giant Gymnasiums, atleast 250 by 250 meters each. Their roofs where open, thus I was able to look inside. Inside was a huge grass field, having rows and rows of spectator seats on all sides. Every gymnasium was the same exept for the battlegrounds. Every single one had a different terrain, ranging from basic plains to deep ravines and impenetrable forests.
In total there where eight of them. Four in a row, separated by a huge road that lead somewhere.
It truly was something else.
I wonder if this is the training facility, what will the rest look like? Before I finished my thoughts the ship took a sudden right turn and the cooperation headquarters entered my sight.
A tall building towering over the outskirts of the city, surrouned by smaller but not less impressive buildings that formed two full circles.
Mr Caloman landed the ship a few hundred meters away from the outer building ring, on a dedicated landing platform. Here stood rows after rows of airships all in different shapes and sizes. Mrs Rye explained that every team has their own airship and that the one that we were using belonged to Mr Calomans squat. Since his squat rarely does fighting missions and is more focused on recruiting new fighters they didn't need the ship this week.
After he made sure to stop the spell and lock the ship we walked through the the small pathways towards a hangar. From there they showed me how to get to the apartments, where we ended up parting ways.
The apartment was nothing special, having only three rooms and a small hallway that lead from the entrance to the living/bedroom. On the left side, between entrance and bedroom was the bathroom. The kitchen was behind the bedroom, so you had to go through the bedroom to get into the kitchen. Interior wise there was not much. Exept of a bed a table and a closed the bedroom was empty. The kitchen didn't look any different, having just the essentials. The same thing goes for the toilet.
Not fitting into the scene was the binder on the dining table. I remembered Mr Caloman mentioning something similar. He said that every employee gets a rule book, which, obviously, explains the rules, but also contains our timetable and information.
Deciding to take a look at it after unpacking my stuff, I began the tedious task of emptying my luggage.
Fortunately it didn't take too long.
Well I didn't bring much with me in the first place.
Finally being able to rest for a little I took the binder and set down on my bed, which by the way was really comfortable. Anyways I opened it and read through the, for now, most important information.
TIMETABLE:
9.30 - 10.45: Team meet (check possibly new missions)
11 -14: morning training (may be delayed to afternoon training after signing up in the dedicated register, this must be done before 11am)
14-15.30 Break
16 - 16.30: lessons (can be signed up for on the first day every month. One lesson is mandatory!)
16.30 - 20: (if booked) afternoon training. (otherwise: free time)
*If you, either with or without your squad have a mission to attend, you are freed from all above above mentioned activities.
All in all it was similar to what I'd normally do at home, exept the team meet obviously.
Knowing tomorrow's routine I put the binder away and set my alarm to 8 and went to bed.
I woke up at 8 feeling completely refreshed and ready to get this day going. After finishing my breakfast, I took a shower and got dressed. By now it was 8.43. At exactly 8.45 my doorbell rang. I grabbed my keys and opened the door. The person who rung, was ms Rye. She promised me yesterday to show me how to get to the meeting rooms. Since she also lives in an apartment we had the same way anyways.
"Good morning Sho" she said with a friendly smile on her face. From the nervous ms Rye that I meet a few days ago were no signs left.
I greeted her with a nod and locked my door.
"So where do we go first?"
"First of all I'll introduce you to the team, than we'll see what else there is today. Say have you found the rule binder?"
"Yeah, I couldn't possibly miss it, but appart from the time table I haven't read through it yet."
"I see, so you didn't see the team info page, huh? Well that shouldnt matter too much. You will meet the other two soon anyway."
"Say ms Rye, you keep saying the other two, does that mean that you are also part of the team?"
"Oh, sorry I forgot to mention. I and the other two have recently moved up a division. Usually four people move up and form a new team, but this time it was just the three of us formed one. So in short yes, I am also part of the team."
"And why am I here? I mean I am completely new and didn't move up any divisions."
"Well as i said, this time only the three of us were chosen to move up and than, last month, Mister Caloman came to me and explained that our forth member would be someone new. He also asked if I was interested in meeting you.
And as you might have guessed I said yes.
So, yeah now here we are."
"Aha and why didn't I start in a lower division rather than at your level? Oh sorry, am I asking too many questions?"
"No no not at all. Well let's see... it's probably because you're stronger than other newcomers. Atleast that's what mister Caloman and the mana test say."
I just nodded. Was I really stronger than average? Well I should be, otherwise two years of hunting and training would have been for nothing.
"You know I was quite confused to hear of someone skipping multiple divisions at once.
Usually people take the enrollment test once they turn 18 and start around division 10-8 some really gifted casters might even start in 7 or 6. But you starting in 5 being only 17 must be something quite rare."
"Really? Is there such a big difference between divisions? I'm sorry if this is a dumb question but how do people even get assigned to their division."
"Well as I said there are tests, which will show how capable you are. Last year for example, when I enrolled here, I had to take a physical strength test, a mana test and a combat intelligence test. In your case I believe that because you have fought so often you are probably over qualified for the standard test."
"Yeah that makes sense."
I wonder, how do they even know me that well?
Well if i think about it it's quite obvious how they got that information. They just had to somehow know about my transactions and that I was 'jobless'.
Once putting two and two together it's only logical that I must have fought monsters for magic crystals.
On top of that I'm registered as a wind and fire caster. Yeah no wonder there was interest. Fire casters are quite rare after all.
"Mrs Rye, may I ask what division you started in? If that isn't too private that is."
"Me? I've started in division 7 and rose up to 5 throughout the last year. Ah and please just call me Myla I'm only about one year and a hlaf years older than you so there's no need for formality."
"Sure, if you say that."
As we kept talking I slowly came to realize that my initial impression of her was so far from correct that I started to second guess my social abilities.
After a while I saw a small street sign that read:"division 5 team offices". Myla must have noticed and pointed at the building.
"This is the division 5 building. Every team in our division has their meeting here. And over there is the grade 5 management office. They select our missions and make sure they fit our strengths as efficiently as possible."
She pointed at a quite busy office building. A row of people stood at the entrance and waited to enter. The two guards at the door checked some sort of ID card before letting anyone pass. I remembered seeing a similar card somewhere before.
"Quite busy right?"
"Yeah, especially with that much security."
"You're right, but sadly it's necessery. Just imagine if someone randomly went in and swapped some missions around. It wouldn't even have to be on purpose and people could die."
"Say, did that ever happen, like missions being falsely assigned?"
"Well not in my time working here, but I believe three years ago, two division 8 teams died on a mission. But let's not talk about sad things, your about to become part of our team, we should celebrate."
She smiled at me while unlocking a door whose door sign said " team 22".
Right now it was 9.20, so we were kind of early.
Inside was a short hallway that lead to the meeting room. The meeting room was neither huge nor to small. Opposite to the door was a window front ,through which you can see the inner courtyard. On the walls adjacent were empty picture frames. in the center was a big round table with modern looking chairs around it. In the bottom right corner stood a small palm tree and next to the hallway door was another door, that led to the bathroom.
"Take a seat, I'll get us something to drink. Would you like coffee or tea?"
"Some tea would be nice."
"Ok give me a minute."
She left and went to get the drinks, while I just awkwardly sat and waited for here to come back. Which she did after a minute or two.
I thanked here for the tea and slowly drank it. By now I was pretty nervous, since I was about to meet the other two team members. At least I know that Myla is really nice, that helped me calm down a little.
At 9.27 the door opened for the first time after we entered.
"HEY HEY"
A cheerful voice came from the hallway and seconds later someone entered the room.
"Huh?!"
The young woman that had just entered looked at me with a confused expression on her face, whilst still smiling brightly. With two fast steps she stood right in front of me. Her face was way to close for comfort so I panicked a little, but sitting in my chair there was nowhere to go, so I just awkwardly looked back at her.
"So you are the new guy? Haha I totally forgot that you were coming today. Anyways I'm Linda, nice to meet you."
I was at a loss for words. Things were happening faster than I could process. Why's she so close anyways?
"So.... are you not going to tell me your name?"
"sight... Linda you really never learn, do you? Don't you think jumping onto him like that is a little much? He just got here yesterday ya know."
"Myla~~ don't be like that~"
Saying that she backed of a bit. Her smile changed into a pout and here gaze turnd to the floor. Looking like that she reminds me of a little girl that didn't get what she wanted.
"Sorry about that Sho, Linda has always been quite stormy."
"Aha... yes... no problem"
Quite stormy? More like super stormy, how could anyone not be overwhelmed by her introduction?
"So your name is Sho?"
"Y-yes, nice to meet you."
Now that I've calmed down a bit, I took a closer look at Linda. To be honest I found it a bit funny how well here appearance matches her personality. Her bright pink hair was tied into two high ponytails on either side of her head. Even while being tied so far up they reached down below her shoulders. Her eyes were brown with some strong green accents dotted in here and there. The eyes themselves looked quite big, which perfectly matched here smile. What stood out the most however, were the strange goggles she had on her head. They gave me some old-world pilot vibes.
"Linda can I ask you something?"
"Sure thing."
"So uhm... what are those goggles for."
I don't know if it was just my imagination but it seemed like she was expecting something else, since her expression changed ever so slightly.
"These?"
She pointed at them with an exaggerated gesture.
"I need them to see my target you know?"
Did she just wink at me? If I haven't been confused before, than I am now. Honestly I was really unsure what kind of target we were talking about here. My first guess would have been monsters, but the way she said it got me second guessing.
But before I could even ask her what she meant I heared the door open again.
"Oi, Sam you're late as always. Come! Fast the new guy is here already. You don't want to leave a bad impression, do you?
Linda was the first to greet him.
"I'm sorry everyone."
The man said with a soft voice, that didn't match his appearance in the slightest. He was huge, probably over 195 cm (over 6 foot 5") and had a just as impressive physique. His skin was dark brown and his head bald. His face was round with pretty strong facial features. All in all he looks a bit scary.
"No problem Sam, Linda here..." She gave Linda a strict look. "She even forgot that we are having a guest today. Right Linda?"
"Hehe, you got me."
While the two of them were talking, Sam silently sat down to my left. Despite his appearance he seems rather shy.
"Hey. I'm Sho. Your name is Sam right, nice to meet you."
"Yeah, I'm happy to meet you too."
He smiled awkwardly. I already liked him, hopefully we can become friends, well other than him and mister Caloman I don't know any guys here anyways and well mister Caloman workes somewhere else. Obviously I wouldn't mind being friends with Rye and Linda but well theres some things you can't really talk about with girls, you know?
"Now that everyone is here, shouldn't we start a introduction round or something like that? In that case I'll start."
Linda didn't even wait for an answer.
"So what should I say?"
"How about name, age, element, spell rank and maybe team position?"
"Good idea Myla, fast but efficient, as expected. Well than I'm Linda, but you can call me big Sis if you want to."
"Linda, please just introduce yourself. Ok?"
"You're no fun Myla~. Where was I? Ah yes, I'm currently 19 years young and a grade B+ fire caster. My role is ranged support, so I'll always have your back so no worries."
"That's true. Linda can accurately hit any targed within a 2km radius. The only problem is that she can't look that far, infact her eyesight is quite bad. That's what her goggles are for."
So that's what she meant earlier, when i asked her about those goggles. Well that makes perfect sense, I don't think anyone can see anything accurately at that kind of distance. But I wonder how bad are her eyes really? Could it be, that she came so close because she couldn't see me well? Probably not right? I mean if thats the case she should definitely get glasses.
"By the way, were are your glasses Linda?"
Ah so she usually does have glasses, huh? I can't imagine her wearing them tho.
"Tsk those things? Forgot em, hehe."
"Why did I even ask?"
Myla looked progressively more annoyed. Maybe I should introduce myself to distract her from Linda?
"I guess it's my turn to introduce myself."
Huh? Seems like Sam had the same idea.
"My name is Samuel, but please just call me Sam. I'm 21 years old and posses grade A- earth powers. Thanks to them I can strengthen my body and block most incoming attacks. While Linda protects our backs I protect the front."
"Thank you Sam. ...Then it's my turn now. I'm Myla Rye, 19 years young and my elements are wind and earth. Since I was born as a wind caster it's my stronger element, with a rating of B+. Oround 6 months ago I've gained earth, which right now I can control at around B- strengh. My role is the closecombat attacker and also leading this team, so if there are questions just ask me."
"Yeah Sho you must know, Myla here, is our beloved team leader so you'd better listen to her commands, otherwise... you know."
Know what? I don't know a thing and to be honest, now I don't really want to find out.
"So Sho now it's your turn."
"Hm? Yeah. Hello everybody my name is Sho and I'm 17 years old."
"Ouo, so young?"
"Linda let him talk!"
"I'm sorry, go on."
"Ah, yes so uhm my elements are wind and fire. Whereas I only gained fire around three months ago, so my grade is probably quite low. Over the last two years I've been hunting monsters to pay my expenses, so I'd say I've got some fighting experience. And yeah... I hope to grow stronger with you guys."
"Wow, so young and already at two elements, no wonder you start at division 5 and than fire and wind? Amazing. If you want to i can teach you how to use fire. I wouldn't mind you know."
"Thanks, I'll definitely will come to you when i need help."
I must say, despite just meeting them today I'm really glad to have such nice team members. Things are going almost to perfect so far.
"So now that we've all got to know each other a bit and there are no missions for today. Let's go training."
"Great idea Myla. While we're at it, why don't we test Sho's combat skills?"
"Yeah, I'm also interested in seeing his strength."
I see , they all want to test me huh? Well why not, I need to get some training in anyways and I've probably never had strong opponents like them.
Just thinking about it hyped me up.
"Let's do it."
"Good, than it's decided, lets go to gym 1."
With that we got up and left. I followed the three of them to the Gymnasiums, that i saw through the plane window yesterday.
Now that I stood in front of one, the gyms seemed even bigger than i thought.
Inside Sam showed me the way to the changing room. Since I didn't have my own armor yet, I decided to just go in my normal clothes. I definitely need to go shopping for clothes soon.
When I stepped into the arena Sam told me to wait at the side lines, or I'd be in the way of other fights. And he was right, even though we were here to early there were already two teams fighting each other. Sam explained that each gym can hold up to six teams at once, more is not allowed, usually there are only about four so it's never to full anyways. The other teams either train later or are on missions.
After watching the fights for some time Myla and Linda arrived aswell.
Both of them were wearing their gear and weapons. Linda was dressed in rather casual clothes. She wears a tight pink tank top and black cargo pants, that matched her black gloves. In her right hand she carried a bow that for some reason had no string. And of course on her head were her goggles. From her gear it was obvious that she didn't engage in close combat.
Opposite to that, Mylas gear had a few armored peaces. Her armor consists of a black chest peace made out of some sort of cloth, that she wears over a dark top. Her pants were quite tight as well and on her chins and wrists were some sort of protectors made out of the same material as the chest peace. Around her waist was a belt, that held a short sword on it'sleft side. Well her gear definitely was made for close combat.
And lastly Sam. He was shirtless, revealing his huge physique. His pants and boots looked rather heavy and armored. On his wrists he had thick metal bracelets and around his upper body was a belt, coming from his right shoulder to the bottom left. On his back was a longsword that was easily heavier than Linda. With that he could probably cut through trees.
I must admit I was kind of jealous seeing their gear, but at the same time I was supper happy, since I knew I'd have this stuff too, someday.
"What do you think, Sho?"
Linda did a little twist while asking me about my opinion.
"You look good in that."
"Thank you~~."
"Sho, come here" Myla whispered to me.
I went over to here, while Linda was still jumping around.
"Yeah?"
"We thought of maybe doing some one on ones, would that be in your interest aswell?"
"Sure, why not."
To be honest, I was actually hoping to fight them one on one, so this proposal was just perfect.
"Listen everyone! We'll be doing one versus one fights. While two are fighting the other two will watch and look for mistakes. We'll determine the first match via rock paper scissors. Is everything clear?"
"YES MAM" we said in sync.
The rock paper scissors match decidet that the first match would be against Linda.
"So before we start let's set some rules first. First of all this match is decided by hits and damage. But please refrain from using deadly attacks. Incase some serious injuries happen or even death occurs no worry, we have a atrong water caster in the area. He can bring you back within one and a half hour after you died. Other than that everything goes."
After her explanation she went up to the other two teams abd asked if they mind us using the whole field. They didn't, infact they were interested in seeing a devision 5 newcomer fight.
Gym 1s terrain was just a simple grass field. To create a fair setting we decided to give Linda the greatest possible distance to me.
Once we were both positioned I waited for the starting signal.
"Three, two, one , GO!"
'POW'
As soon as the match started an arrow came at me, only missing me by a hairs width.
It had barely even started and yet I was dodging attacks left and right. Fortunately as long as I wasn't hit I'd be having the advantage. I knew she couldn't fight at full potential because the arena was too small. Therefore all I need to do is to close the distance without getting hit. But eventhough it sounds so easy she managed to keep me at a save distance.
While i was still dodging I prepared my counter attack and while the fire stopped for a second, i sensed an opportunity. Using a strong propulsion spell I launched myself around fifty meters in the air. From here I was able to see Lindas position.
However she saw me as well and started her next attack. This time her arrows were smaller and a hell lot faster. I managed to dodge the first few but one hit my leg. Luckily I was somewhat resistant to fire, l like every fire caster is, but still that hurt quite a lot.
Now that I was in the air I had more room to doge, while also being able to close the distance faster. Once I was around 50 meters away from her i started my offensive spells. I created ten wind enforced fire arrows. Linda however didn't let me rest for even one second. Now that I had gotten so close she switched up her attacks. Instead of arrows she now summoned giant fireballs, each bigger than a grown man.
They were so hot that i could feel the heat from all the way over here. I knew that I'd have to attack first, so I did. I shot my first arrow to distract her from her spell. And it worked. She completely underestimated the speed of the arrow and only barely avoided it. I wasn't gonna stop there tho. Now that she knew the power I needed to strice fast.
Of tha remaining nine arrows one hit her left shoulder stunning her for a split second. That opening was enough for me to clise the distance between us. Eventhough she shot everything at me I managed to avoid most of it. The fireball that hit burned my intire left arm.
Now that I was within one arms length of her I let used my wind powers to strengthen every punch I threw at her. Even if she blocked them they still did some damage. Her counter attacks where weak and inaccurate. And finally I found my opening. Her right side was unguarded. I used a simple fire spell that engulfed my right hand in flames and turned into the hit. On impact i released a massive explosion that send her flying away. I followed up with my wind powers and was about to end the match with a kick to the head. But right before impact I stopped.
"STOOOP!"
The fight was over. I landed infront of Linda and reached out my hand. That's when I noticed her frightened expression. Did I go too far. Suddenly I felt incredibly bad about what just happened.
"I'm sorry Linda. I went to far."
"Huh?...What?No, I mean...I just didn't expect this... that's all."
"Really? Are you ok? Maybe I should call a water caster?"
"No no, one of the pills should be enough."
"If you say that... here can you get up?"
"Yeah thanks."
She took my hand and got up. I could feel that she was still shivering a little.
"Everything alright guys?!"
Myla came running at us, with a somewhat anxious expression.
When she arrived she asked If anyone wouls need a water caster, but since both of us said no, she just handed us one pill each. I knew these pills. They safed me a ton of times. One of them could heal you fir the most parts. Every one of them is infused with water spells that are strong enough to heal broken bones and even restore small bodyparts. After my battles at home I sometimes had to get them to treat my injuries. One time a missing finger was restored thanks to one.
We both took the pill and within only ten seconds all our injuries were gone.
"Hach... I lost. How did you even get that strong Sho its ridiculous... But don't you think you've won okay? Over greater range I would've done better, you know. Don't you dare think that I'm weak!"
"I-I don't Linda. I really don't think your weak. Infact your the strongest opponent if ever faced one on one."
"Really? Good. Just wait till were on a mission together. Than you'll see my true strengths."
"Can't wait to see it."
"Okay you two, now please go up there I'll spar with Sam now."
"ok, good luck Myla. Let's go Sho."
And so Linda and I went up to the spectator seats to watch the match from there.