Mitch asked Renji if he knows Risttle and Oliver.
Renji replied,
"Yes, they are my classmates at Manila University."
Oliver immediately rushed in front of Renji and bowed his head to show respect.
"Master Renji, it's my pleasure to see you again."
Risstle asked Renji,
"I'm still confused, you are an elite sorcerer?"
Mitch informed Renji that he would entrust everything to him. Renji and Charles were tasked with guiding Risttle and Oliver to harness their powers. After introducing the new teachers, Mitch left the room.
Outside, on the school grounds, Renji invited Risttle and Oliver to join them. Renji asked Risttle how she had discovered the university that taught Anima Mundi sorcery.
Risttle responded,
"I've been here since I was 15 years old, studying AM sorcery for 3 years."
Charles was puzzled.
"But why didn't I see you around if you've been here for 3 years?
Risttle explained,
"I tend to keep to myself, so you haven't had the chance to see me."
Renji turned to Risttle.
"How have you managed to study at Manila University and AM sorcery at the same time?"
Risttle answered,
"My parents want me to finish my college degree, and I don't want to disappoint them."
Renji then directed his question to Oliver.
"Why did you decide to join AM sorcery?"
Oliver eagerly replied,
"I want to become your disciple, Master Renji! I aim to be as strong as you!"
Renji smiled proudly.
"Aim higher, Oliver. Strive to surpass me. Have you learned how to generate Anima Mundi in the three days you've been here?"
Oliver responded,
"Yes, Master Renji. I've been using it to enhance my punches and make them more effective in battle."
Renji nodded.
"Good. Now, both of you, let's see how far you've come. I'm going to test your skills and battle capabilities."
He continued,
"You'll both cast a combat domain spell. In a melee combat scenario, Risttle, you'll provide Oliver with the spell to learn, adapt, and master. Do you understand, Oliver?"
Oliver confidently replied,
"Yes, Master."
Renji nodded, his eyes filled with determination. The stage was set for a test of their abilities.
Renji cast the combat domain spell , same on risttle but she used AM amplification to share it with Oliver. Oliver was amazed at what he felt—his visions improved, and his movements synchronized seamlessly. Risttle told Oliver,
"These are the effects of the COMBAT DOMAIN SPELL. It analyzes the enemy and provides you with perfect movements and vision to counter them. But don't think it's going to be easy, because the same applies to Renji. He has also cast the combat domain spell."
Both Renji's and Risttle's yin and yang circles fused into one, creating an arena-like battlefield.
Risttle whispered their plan to Oliver for their fight against Renji. Renji was confused about what they were discussing. As soon as Charles declared the battle to start, Risttle rushed towards Renji with incredible speed and delivered a hand chop towards his neck. However, Renji immediately blocked the hand chop with his palm.
Then, they clashed their hand strikes, their hands dancing as they countered each other. Renji had a smile on his face because he wasn't even breaking a sweat while clashing with Risttle.
But as Risttle jumped back, Oliver suddenly appeared behind Renji, releasing a strong punch covered with anima mundi. However, due to Renji's impressive predictive abilities, he immediately blocked Oliver's incoming attack using his right forearm. Risttle then quickly generated water and cast "Hydroform Blades," molding the water into razor-sharp blades that could be launched at enemies. The blades sliced through the air toward Renji, but before they could hit, Renji performed a hand sign and cast one of his spells, chanting, "Ignis Veil Manipula." He molded fire into semi-solid constructs, shaping it into barriers that blocked Risttle's attacks.
Oliver charged at Renji again with his fist, this time unleashing a barrage of punches. However, Renji deflected Oliver's attacks effortlessly. Risttle then led Oliver, and both of them charged towards Renji, teaming up for a direct melee combat engagement. Risttle and Oliver's movements were a flurry of fist strikes, hand strikes, kicks, knees, and elbow strikes, akin to a higher level of martial arts.
Yet, once again, Renji hadn't broken a sweat and easily countered the two combatants as if they were mere children. Renji brought the battle to an end by chanting and casting "Inferno Anchor." This spell created localized zones of intensified gravity around flames, effectively anchoring both Risttle and Oliver in place.
Renji looked at both Risttle and Oliver, acknowledging their teamwork while highlighting the need for improved Anima Mundi control, especially for Oliver.
"Anima Mundi is an essential energy used to create spells and empower you to face formidable opponents,"
Renji explained.
"It also holds the key to unlocking your hidden potential, much like how Risttle has unlocked her water-based abilities."
Oliver's curiosity was piqued.
"So, there's a chance I can unlock my true Anima Mundi potential?"
Renji nodded, his expression serious.
"Partially. To reach your full potential, you must first master your current skillset and find your purpose in this world. Once that foundation is laid, you'll begin to learn the 'utilizations' of Anima Mundi spells. As you progress in mastering these utilizations, your true Anima Mundi potential will gradually reveal itself."
Oliver absorbed this information, his determination evident. "What are these 'utilizations' you mentioned? What do I need to master?"
Renji explained further, his voice steady.
"The utilizations are the different ways you can channel and manipulate Anima Mundi. There are various pairs, each representing offense, defense, and counter techniques. They include:
Generation and Degeneration
Manipulation and Inertia
Infuse and Drain
Destruction and Reconstruction
Attack and Defend
Heal and Damage
Amplify and Minify
Buff and Debuff
Sharpening and Dull
Duplication and Origination"
Renji's words hung in the air, emphasizing the intricate web of Anima Mundi's potential. Both Risttle and Oliver listened intently, absorbing the knowledge that would shape their journey as sorcerers.
Renji and Charles received a crucial mission that sent chills down their spines. Undead acolytes were haunting the innocent residents of Pasay City under the shroud of darkness. The eerie reports painted a grim picture of fear and desperation. It was a threat that needed to be extinguished before it could spread its tendrils further.
"This is our chance,"
Renji mused,
his eyes glinting with determination. He turned to Charles, a knowing look passing between them.
"We can use this mission to train Risttle and Oliver. It's time they face the real dangers of our world and put their skills to the test."
Charles nodded in agreement.
"You're right. This is an opportunity for them to learn firsthand and apply what they've been taught. But we'll need to be cautious. Undead acolytes are far from ordinary foes."