The next day, Carl had an herbal class. So, it was an introduction to medicinal plants. It reminded him of what Flo said about classical medicine. Apparently, fighters learned it too.
"I know you're probably wondering why we have to study these when there're doctors and hospitals to go to when we're sick," Shonda said in front of the class. The class occurred in the academy's gardens, where medicinal plants grew. "But we can't rely on modern medicine, especially for the first aid. It will be beneficial when we don't have access to modern medicine," she explained further.
"When will that happen? Hospital everywhere," said one student.
Her face turned serious. "We don't know the future," she said, no less seriously. "Besides, if you choose to be in the army after graduation, you definitely need this."
Her first sentence reminded Carl of his companion. Miku always reminded him of the same thing. No one knows the future. Also, his fate was where he would go.
No more chatter. The students decided to follow the lesson even though it was boring. Yeah, they were aspiring fighters. Studying the theory of minimal physical activity was definitely not enjoyable.
However, that did not apply to Carl. He actually loved theory. Moreover, this related to his favorite field. Medical. So, he took the lesson seriously.
"You seem interested in this?" Shonda asked as she passed Carl and Miku and saw him reading explanations and photographing plants.
"I'm interested in medic," Carl replied. He pointed his thin screen at the plant, and the explanation showed that it could be helpful as an anti-inflammatory. He wanted to have the actual documentation.
"That's great," she commented. "Then, do you want to learn more about this?"
"You mean medicine?"
"Yes."
He then turned to her after finishing taking the image. "I'd love to. It must be fun learning all these."
"If you're interested, you can help me manage this place. I'll teach you how to take care of it and use it well. Just come when you have time."
His eyes widened at the offer. It was really his luck. "Thank you, professor."
Then the lesson continued. Despite the bored looks on their faces, the students followed it until the end.
"Finally, it's done," Thomas said with relief as soon as they exited the garden area. Dex, beside him, also showed the same expression.
"Yeah. That's an interesting lesson," said Carl on the other side. They were walking towards the cafeteria before the next class. It would be hard cause it was Julian's class, and it would be a lot of physical activity.
Thomas stopped in his tracks. His jaw gaped as if the response was unnatural. "You're not serious, right?"
Carl stopped too and was confused by his reaction. "Why? That would be useful."
Thomas shook his head. It was not that he disagreed, but that was not what he meant. "Yeah, that will definitely be useful. But, isn't observing plants and reading explanations very boring?"
"I don't think so. I like to do it."
His mouth fell open again. This time was an understanding. "You and I are very different," he concluded.
Carl chuckled. "Really?"
"Yeah. I won't definitely order a salad for lunch and find a hidden place to sleep during herbs class."
And his laughter grew louder.
--
"Hello again, everyone," said Julian, starting the afternoon class. "I believe you have a new spirit today. But don't worry, I won't ask you to duel." At the end of his sentence, he slipped into a joking tone, which made the students chuckle.
He then walked among them. "I heard you got the sword yesterday," he said, referring to the lesson with Raphael. "How is it going? Have you been able to master it?"
Silence.
All the students were silent because the answer was clear. They were working on it.
"That's difficult, prof. It doesn't feel any different from using an ordinary sword." The student in the corner exclaimed.
Julian chuckled at that. "Nothing is easy in this world. While our new system may seem that way, it is not."
"The key is practice," said Vega in front of the class. "We, companions, train to master magic. So, you need to train to control it."
"Do you hear that? Practice, practice, practice," he emphasized. Then his gaze stopped on Carl and the scar on his palm. "Even high-level companion owners need the practice to level up." He smiled once their eyes met.
Carl knew Julian was talking about him because he caught a glimpse of his gaze in his hands. Yes, he had scars from training with Darren and Miku. Actually, just a few minor scratches. But, it was proof of his effort and responsibility.
"But, don't worry. I won't ask you to use your sword. I'm not your teacher for that. We'll learn how to fight without weapons. It's purely using your and your companions' abilities."
"The point of our learning is to strengthen cooperation."
"Oh, I shouldn't have said we won't duel again," Julian said like he really forgot it. "There might be a duel, but not now. For now, I'm assigning you to look for a pouch on the hill." He lifted the brown pouch with Julian's face on it. "I hid several students in several pouches on the hill. Everyone gets one. As soon as you get it, you'll be declared successful in completing the task. Of course, you'll get a reward for that," he explained.
"But we don't want to make the game easy. There must be obstacles."
"We put many kinds of traps there. So be careful."
There were whispers among the students. They questioned what kind of traps appeared there, considering that Julian and Vega had many tricks to defeat them in various duels in the previous meeting.
"It won't be dangerous, but it might hurt you." Once again, Vega warned them.
The whispers were getting louder. The warning scared them a little but didn't drown their anticipation.
"We have the game until four. Remember to only take one."
The whispers died down as enthusiasm appeared on their face.
"We'll start the game-"Vega exclaimed with her hands raised. Suddenly, a gun appeared in her hand. -now!"