"Does anybody know the theory of opposite energy?"
"Nope"
"Uh, not really"
"I know it"
"Yeah, a little bit"
Ota, me, Aoife and an injured Adelard, all gathered upstairs in the 'Armory' on Enda's request. His face had been decorated by a slap and punch on either side, one could only guess if that had any relation to what he said during training or if he tried it.
Sitting around the table, Ota rested her legs above while leaning back on her chair. What was shocking about this was its approval as part of the assignment Rider gave her, to be using her relic constantly.
So she created full plate leggings, making sure it was in full view for Enda, who was judging her effort. It was both a test of control and endurance, both things I still lacked.
Ota could almost keep the armor on parts of her body for up to an entire day now. The record was established by one of the Relics previous wielders who lasted several years until their death. She was determined to surpass it.
"I expected you to know more Adelard, I was told you where the first to recognise the man as a devil"
"Haven't you heard the tale of Durndal?"
Enda visibly flinched at the question, recognising the story instantly.
"Where did you hear about that sword?"
"It was in a book, in your museum. How come?"
"I don't recall ever any of us displaying that. After this lesson you'll show me where you saw it, it belongs up here. Now, Aoife, please explain to the others the theory"
Aoife spoke with confidence as it was knowledge passed down from her grandfather and something that should not be easily forgotten.
"Theoretically, each energy origin has an opposite; Blood magic for Mana casting, Death magic for Life Force, Unholy magic for Divine or Faith chanting and as for Spirit magic, it wasn't stated"
"You recall that theory well, but it's not completely correct. Unfortunately, it's missing a few origins like psychic and fails to mention curses. Because of its incomplete form, it was thrown out by those morons in the Educational Institute. Regardless of the validity, some entities use bodies or magic that can only be affected by other types, and in that case, the theory is spot on"
"So that Devil could be affected by Adelard?"
"I know it can, the problem is the blood magic. We don't know how to counter it, outside of getting anyone too weak or inexperienced far away from the battle"
"Hey, uh, didn't you notice?"
Adelard spoke up through his slightly bruised and puffy face, eager to share what he knew.
"That Devil couldn't use that sword guy's blood because he was boosted by Divine magic. But you're blood didn't need that"
"My blood? Also, why do you keep calling it Divine magic, not faith?"
"In a way, faith magic is one side of a coin, with the other lying flat on the ground. Both are 'holy', but one draws from another while the other fosters ideals from within"
"I didn't expect you to be so smart after your comments during training"
"Firstly, that was a joke between me and Touji. This whole building is way too tense and none of you think about how we deal with that. Secondly, I had time to think after he asked me to describe it"
The way he recalled his actions immediately brought discomfort to Aoife and Ota after realizing he was right in assuming how I felt. He looked over all three, making sure each got the message, then healed his face.
"Call my actions whatever you want, and I'll take the repercussions of them. But don't think, not even for a second, that I said it for any of you three to hear. I talked and trained while you two shrugged off your responsibilities to satisfying your own selfish desires, instead of tackling your problems head on"
I didn't expect this situation to be reversed completely on its head, or for his words to do more damage then their hands. He spoke the truth with vitriol, making sure to stare at each of them as they both lowered their heads.
Enda was entirely amused by the situation. She didn't expect him to be so confident in his actions or be observant to the people around him. He didn't just speak with confidence, it was righteousness.
I was told that the best attacks on anyone who uses faith magic was psychological, because if they waver, the strength of the magic fades. Of course that could backfire entirely, however, it was still a strong strategy depending on the situation.
"Ok Adelard, I believe you've made your point. Now, how did you identify that devil through the cloud?"
"I can explain, but it's kind of a few things. Also a weird feeling in my gut, you know? Not to mention, his body was made of grave dirt and hardened bone. I'm sure you felt it-"
"I thought it could be roots at first, like a golems internal structure, and yet, the stick kept sliding around it. I suspect some sort of death magic, however, I'm just hesitant to call it necromancy over puppeteering. Regardless, both are best countered by Divine and Spirit magic"
"Yo, Teach, what happened to all the druids in the first place?"
"To put it simply Ota, the Church drove them out and almost completely destroyed the practice of their rituals. Everyone knows what happened to them in this city, banishment from all lands under the Nala Alliance flag. Unfortunately, the dogma against Druids remains"
"Why not fix it?"
"I've tried several times. Short of a big enough heroic deed from a druid, only over time will that stigma fade. This leaves us in a bit of a conundrum sadly. Adelard, Aoife, I'm going to introduce you our resident former Paladin later, please answer any of her questions"
They both let out groans of annoyance, the pressure of expectations and forced training wasn't appealing in the slightest to any of us except for Ota. I only kept it up because I would get bored if I had nothing to do with my hands.
Sensing the need for incentives, she spoke up again.
"After the first few weeks of Rise, there is a tournament we intend to reorganize. It was postponed after the devils attack. If you prove yourselves ready by then I will reward each of you with a set of fitting equipment, personally tailored for each of you, except Ota of cour-"
"Huh! Why not me!"
"I can make clothes if you want, however, unless you can prove to me that you can wear what I make without damaging it with whatever you crea-"
"What about a weapon?"
"You'll have to ask Rider when she gets ba-"
"Ok, you make fireproof clothes for her and I'll trade them for a mace"
"Like I said, you hav-"
"Nah nah nah, it'll be right. I know what she wants. Trust"
Her attempts to dissuade Ota failed miserably. I had no idea why she was brimming with confidence. Although, I knew she really wanted a mace at this point, even going as far to only train with a heavy wooden training mace to the detriment of her opponents, us.
"Very well, on one condition. Touji needs help with his assignment, you will be his distraction for the ne-"
"Don't you dare! No! Nope! Let me do it with Adelard instead! I won't be able to do any-"
"That's the point Touji, I know it will be hard, but you must try"
"Heh, that's not going to be the only thing that'll be har-"
"Shut it, I'm out! I didn't even have time to wash off yet! Goodbye!"
I knew it, I fucking knew it. Of course they noticed I stopped going to the spring at the same time to meditate for Riders assignment.
She believes I have the talent to learn monk techniques and that I show 'natural untapped talent'. I had no idea how she reached that conclusion or who she talked to, but the first step was the hardest.
Normally, this would mean meditation with the natural flowing elements, like rushing water. Because this was easier said than done with my schedule, I was given the even harder version, concentrating on steam.
This meant I needed to learn how to sense the water vapor around me, instead of a flowing river or waterfall.
The difference in both is astronomical and I wasn't having much luck, knowing Ota would be teasing me meant there would be zero chance as I try to hide the last of my dignity in embarrassment.
I could already picture in my mind as I sprinted upstairs to get what little privacy I could before I would have to do what I once mocked Arisa for, blinding and wrapping herself in a towel, I now understood why.
At this point I realized I needed advice, and there was only one other person I knew who could teach me.
"I need to visit Sister Naji"