"In a couple of weeks there will be an in-house tournament within our school. All ages are invited and all ranges of skill will be mixed together. Combat Theory is a specialized class with its own horse in this race of beating each other down. Teams are formed randomly throughout the school unless you are in Combat Theory or Magic Theory."
In the expansive combat theory classroom, the students formed a large circle, their anticipation palpable in the air. The intricate gears and cogs, which adorned the room's interior, created an arena-like setting, ready to witness the unfolding spectacle. The ceiling projected digital art projections that danced across its surface, adding a touch of modernity to the steampunk aesthetics.
At the heart of this circular battleground stood the genuine professor of the Combat Theory class, not Sheek. The professor, a figure of authority, occupied the central space with an air of command. Dressed in steampunk-inspired attire, a blend of vintage charm and technological flair, the professor awaited the students' attention.
The students, arranged in a ring around the professor, were a diverse group, each exhibiting their unique combat styles and System Connector abilities. The sound of murmurs and hushed discussions filled the room as the students prepared for the upcoming training session.
The professor's gaze swept across the circle, meeting the eyes of each student, instilling a sense of focus and discipline. The room's atmosphere crackled with energy, and the anticipation of the impending combat practice added an electric charge to the steampunk-infused environment.
"Hey, I never caught his name… no, did he even say it?" Silas leaned over to Marlene.
"Nobody knows what his name is. People just call him Professor as he's never told anybody his name… well, except for his higher-ups I would presume."
"And nobody finds that suspicious?"
"Everybody finds him suspicious," Marlene snickered, drawing the harsh stare of the professor before he finally began talking again.
"Now! I assume you all know what we'll be doing! Get into trios and figure your shit out today! Matches will start tomorrow at 9 AM sharp!" The professor shouted and at the clap of his hands, everybody dashed to find the strongest people in the room.
First, there is Eleanor ton Harrow. Eleanor stood at an average height for her age, her auburn hair styled into intricate braids adorned with small gears and lightning-shaped accessories. She wore a fitted steampunk jacket with metallic embellishments, emphasizing her agility.
Eleanor's proficiency in creating protective barriers and deflection mechanisms aligns with the skills of a Disruptionist. Her skills in interfering with Mechamagic and disrupting spells make her a potent adversary in steam-based disruption.
Next, there is Victor Beaumont. Victor possessed a broad-shouldered and well-built physique, his dark hair neatly combed. He wore a tailored steampunk vest with reinforced leather accents, showcasing his strength.
Victor's robust physique and focus on healing steam gauntlets with medicinal properties point to his expertise in Vitasteamurgy. He likely excels in using steam technology to heal injuries and restore vitality.
Next, there is Lilith Nightshade. Lilith exuded an air of mystery with her slender silhouette and long, ebony hair cascading down her shoulders. Her steampunk attire featured dark, flowing fabrics and intricate lace details.
Lilith's mysterious demeanor and the hint of manipulating shadows align with the disruptive nature of a Glyphgaurd. Her steampunk attire and System Connector, combined with her combat style, make her a formidable defender.
Finally, there is Lucas val Ignatius. Lucas had a fiery presence, with vibrant red hair and a confident stance. His steampunk ensemble incorporated flame-inspired motifs, including a leather jacket adorned with copper piping.
Lucas's fiery presence and the description of his attire, resembling flame-inspired motifs, suggest his specialization in Pyronetics. He likely excels in generating flames, fireballs, and utilizing steam technology for fiery spells.
"Should we maybe grab one of them?" Silas asked.
"Nah, they're gonna be taken in a second. Let's just get the scraps… I doubt we're going to win against their teams anyway. They can quite literally solo carry their entire teams to the win," Marlene rolled her eyes.
They both sat down on the ground, waiting for their chance to grab a kid maybe some-way half decent. Yet, just as they found somebody they agreed to give a chance, a boy with fiery red hair stepped into their line of sight.
"What do you want Steamgrave? Out of the fucking way, we don't want you," Marlene scoffed, causing the boy to make this weird expression of half annoyance and half hurt.
"*sigh*... Silas? We were just doing good together the other day… why not run it back once more?" Calix smiled.
Both Silas and Marlene exchanged glances. Marlene simply shrugged while Silas slowly got up and gestured for him to follow. He received a sudden confused and shocked glance from the girl sitting on the ground, but ultimately everything settled in place as soon as the three got to talking again.
"Seriously? This guy? There are so many better fire users in this class and you picked the troublemaker? For real?" Marlene sighed with disbelief, almost laughing with how awestruck she was.
"Doesn't matter. You said we're going to lose anyway, so why bother fussing over this kid?"
"Tch…"
"Okay…" Calix awkwardly broke the tension between the two children. "How about we introduce our magic and fighting style I guess… and I'll go first. Infernician, Kickboxing."
"Golemtoggler, Krav Maga," Marlene followed up, shooting the boy a quick nasty glare before the two looked over at our beloved main character.
"No Magic, Boxing."
"Bullshit," Calix immediately replied with Marlene giving a nod of agreement.
"Why would I ask for a goddamn Air Glyphstone if I already had magic-"
"No, not the no magic. It's so obvious from your lack of steam. It's your fighting style… I'm not crazy right?" Calix turned to Marlene.
"Yeah, you aren't just a boxer. Kickboxing would be more believable, but your groundwork is too good for that. You're proficient in multiple martial arts… correct?"
"That's what you're caught up on? Not that I'm a magicless kid in a magic-bleeding school?"