"Good afternoon, everyone," greeted a teacher dressed in all black. He came with his companion, who was wearing the same color. "My name is Raphael. This is Columba. We will teach you to use weapons in a fight."
The teacher stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the students. He was about three to five years older than Julian. Meanwhile, Columba stood silently next to him.
"Actually, any weapon can be used in a fight. Swords, pistols, knives, or even less sharp like baseball bats, rocks, and many more. However, they're all ordinary weapons because you don't need to apply companion abilities to use them. It's purely based on your fighting skills. ."
All students were silent. They listened carefully to his explanation.
"But, in the new world system, these weapons can be upgraded. The inventor has created a special weapon for the fighter and their companion. It can absorb companion magic and make it stronger." Raphael put emphasis on the end of his sentence.
Some students looked amazed. This was a new thing for them. It turned out that before and after having a companion were definitely different.
"For today, we'll learn to use a sword." Columba took over. He used his magic to take out a large box containing many swords. "Everyone take one, including a companion," he ordered.
Then, students and companions took turns picking up swords. After everything was done, the teacher continued the explanation.
"Now, hold your sword."
The students obeyed and held a sword in their hands.
Columba closed his eyes, and before long, a large dark circle appeared under their feet. A second later, a groan was heard from the students.
"To use this sword, you have to sign a contract using your blood so that the weapon will only be recognized by its owner. Apart from that, this is to prevent your weapon from harming you." Raphael explained in the middle of the ritual.
Carl felt it. Something poked his finger, like being pricked by a needle.
The students stayed in place for a while and waited for the process to finish. And as soon as the blacklight disappeared, whispers were heard everywhere. Most were confused and amazed after undergoing the ritual.
Carl glanced at Columba. He didn't look tired at all, even though he just used a lot of magic. Maybe he was used to it, just like Julian and Vega, who were tireless against all the students, and Miku, who he had never seen tired from training him. Even after the duel with the teacher this morning. For him, he was almost out of breath.
"The sword is now officially yours," Columba announced. "Now, for each companion, focus your magic and channel it into the sword." He gave further orders.
All companions did it. They closed their eyes so they could focus more on doing it.
Efforts showed results. The sword began to shine and change. It was initially plain silver but then increased in color according to the magic color of the companion.
"The color changes according to the owner's level," Raphael said as he showed his sword. "At your current level, it doesn't change much. But if you get to a high level, it will turn transparent. And because Columba's magic is black, it becomes transparent black silver."
The students studied his sword in amazement. The color was gorgeous, like a crystal being forged into a blade.
"As for companion," Raphael paused his sentence while waiting for Columba to draw his sword. "Look at that! It's transparent to match the color of your magic."
This time, the companion looked amazed. The color of Columba's sword was exquisite, in stark contrast to theirs, which had changed little. How levels make a lot of difference.
Raphael studied the students and their swords. And when his eyes landed on Miku, he flashed a big smile. "And, of course, I wish you had a delicate color," he said while looking straight at her.
All eyes followed his direction. Miku—and Carl—again, attracting attention.
Her sword was transparent pink. It was so clear and stunning, a far different from Carl's.
Raphael walked over to Miku. He looked at her sword, then said to his students, "You'll definitely get as beautiful as hers if you continue to train hard to level up. And, of course, it would have different strengths." Then he returned his gaze to Miku and her sword. "I wonder what you can do with it," he said quietly, so only Miku and Carl could hear him.
"We'll teach you how to use it properly," Columba said upfront. "But, before that, who doesn't know how to use a sword?"
Almost half raised their hands.
"I heard you do fencing," Raphael commented as he saw Carl raise his hand.
"Fencing is fencing. It uses a different sword," Carl replied, still holding his hand up.
Raphael nodded in agreement. "Yeah. They're definitely different."
"For those of you who raise your hands, pair up with a friend who is not next to you," ordered Columba. "The rest, you're free to partner with anyone."
Carl turned to the right. He saw his two friends looking at each other. Instantly, he knew that he couldn't bother them. They had an indirect agreement on becoming a couple.
So, he turned to the left. His eyes met Darren's. He swallowed his saliva. Memories of the previous duel entered his mind. Somehow, he was reluctant to make him a partner. So, he looked for other options.
He looked around, searching for his chance. But, sometimes, desires don't match reality. His close friend had got a partner, and even Thomas had reached his amateur one.
Ah, he lost in time.
Inevitably, he returned his gaze to Darren. "You can use a sword, right?" Useless question. Darren didn't raise his hand. That meant Darren was not an amateur like him.
"Yes. I can teach you to use it," Darren replied in his usual flat tone.
Carl imagined the continuation of their relationship. That was probably not bad because they would talk less and do more. It was adequate for learning, wasn't it?
"Thanks."
No reply from him. Carl also chose not to prolong their meaningless chatter. It was also not his style to make small talk.
"I see you already have your partner. Then we'll move on to the real lesson. Watch carefully how I do this." Finished saying that, Columba seemed to focus his magic on his sword so that it glowed. Likewise, Raphael's.
Raphael ran towards the tree and slashed his sword. He stopped at the same time as the fallen tree.
"This is what your new sword can do." Columba gave a brief explanation of what had just happened.
"Sure, you can't cut down trees at your level. But practice so you can leave wide cuts there. That's your task." Raphael added.
"And improve your swordsmanship. We'll show you the basics. Next, practice with your partner."
It was precise, as Carl had guessed. He would spend a lot of time training with Darren and Irvin. Yeah, this was the path he must take to become a fighter.
"Miku," he whispered, calling his companion's name.
"What?" Miku answered in a low voice.
"Can you do it?"
"You mean splitting a tree?" Miku asked back.
"Yeah."
Oh, they seemed to steal a chance to chat in the middle of class.
"Sure. I can even chop down a hundred trees in one fell swoop," Miku replied as if it was a small matter.
Carl nodded in understanding. Apparently, her abilities were indeed commensurate with her level.