The following days at Tilanaz Academy passed in a blur of learning and practice for Kendell. Each class built upon the previous few days, deepening his understanding of ritual magic and its applications. The goal was mostly to get the new students to use ritual magic with the powder shown in Body Enhancement class to get tangible results. The mundane routine of classes was punctuated by moments of discovery, as Kendell gradually mastered the nuances of the various rituals and spells with the help of his two friends.
Sealing rituals were still the bane of the whole of class ones existence, as none had performed the basics to Professor Grent's satisfaction. Kendell was close with only two remarks on his form, while Coli had been severely reprimanded with seven issues on his seals. Even with the extra time from How to Craft a Ritual Circle, the students all felt as if they were overwhelmed by the course load. Only one student in their class, Riven, had been able to showcase a real use of the Form Demon 1 in Body Enhancement, much to Professor Varex's disappointment. Most of the trio was still struggling to find an ancient ritual they could actually read in the library for Ritual History, but Celia had managed to get her hands on a book with a ritual in her families native language which apparently was not one commonly spoken amongst the students.
As the fifth day dawned, a sense of anticipation filled the air. It was the day of combat practice, a crucial component of their training at the academy. Their homeroom teacher, Professor Falis, led them to a small circle inscribed with runes, located in a secluded part of the academy. He uttered an incantation, and the circle glowed brightly, enveloping them in a brilliant light.
When the light faded, Kendell and his classmates found themselves standing in the middle of a vast arena, its walls towering high and spectators' seats empty. Professor Falis explained, "This arena is reserved for combat practice and official duels. Normally, you'd need faculty permission to access it, but for today's session, I've arranged it for you."
Professor Falis, stood at the center of the arena, his voice echoing across the vast, open space. The arena was an impressive structure, encircled by towering walls and filled with rows of seats for spectators. Below the surface of the arena lay a vast ritual circle, its purpose and power evident even to those unfamiliar with its intricacies.
"Welcome to the Tilanaz Academy Combat Arena," Professor Falis began. "This arena is designed not just for practice, but to ensure the safety of both combatants and spectators. Beneath us lies a large ritual circle, which serves multiple purposes."
He continued, "Firstly, the circle prevents outside interference. No one outside the arena can affect the duel within. This ensures a fair and controlled environment for all combatants."
"Secondly," he added, "the circle restricts the flow of energy. While inside the arena, you cannot sense the flow of magic from the outside, nor can anyone outside sense what is happening within. This is crucial for maintaining the secrecy of your techniques and strategies, and therefore lets you students go all out with your duels."
"Finally, and most importantly," Professor Falis stated, "the circle contains any entities or magic summoned within the arena. This is to protect the audience and ensure that no summoned beings or magical effects can escape into the academy."
He paused, letting the information sink in. "The rules of combat here are simple. Duels are to be conducted with honor and respect. Excessive force or harm beyond what is necessary for knocking your opponent unconscious is strictly prohibited. Remember, this is a place of learning, not a battlefield."
The students listened attentively, understanding the gravity of the rules laid out before them. The arena was a place of serious learning and skill development, and the rules ensured a safe and productive environment for all.
With the rules established, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Kendell's eyes scanned the crowd, spotting a classmate, known for his prowess in combat ritual arts, grinning devilishly as he stepped forward. "I challenge Kendell to a duel," he announced confidently, "as an example for the class of course."
Whispers and murmurs spread among the students. "Isn't that Riven? The guy known for combat rituals?" one whispered. "His family must have prepared him with a tattoo already," another added.
Professor Falis, intrigued by the challenge, nodded in agreement. "Very well, let this be a learning experience for all of you. The best way to learn is with a demonstration after all. We will have the duel after we have our lesson in basic combat foundations."
Turning his attention to combat techniques, Professor Falis emphasized the importance of positioning and awareness in a duel. He demonstrated basic stances, each designed to maximize defense while allowing for quick and effective counterattacks. He moved with a grace that belied his formidable presence, each stance flowing seamlessly into the next.
"For every offensive move, there is a defensive counter," Professor Falis explained. "Understanding this balance is key to mastering combat in the arena."
He then showed them how to position their feet, explaining how a proper stance could provide stability and agility. "Your stance is your foundation," he said. "It should be strong enough to resist attacks, yet flexible enough to allow movement."
Professor Falis also touched upon the significance of reading an opponent's body language. "Observe their posture, their eyes. Anticipate their next move. The more you understand your opponent, the better you can adapt your strategy."
As the lesson progressed, he paired the students up to practice the techniques. Kendell, paired with a fellow classmate, tried to mirror Professor Falis' fluid movements, feeling the adrenaline of the impending duel pumping through his veins.
By the time noon arrived, the class was exhausted but buzzing with enthusiasm at the chance to witness a true duel that used ritual arts! While practicing Riven had let it slip that his family did indeed give him a Body Enhancement Ritual Tattoo of Form Demon 1!
Professor Falis then got the classes attention to gather around, as it was time for the duel.
The students gathered around, forming a circle as Kendell and Riven stepped into the center of the arena. Kendell's mind raced, considering how to approach the duel. His arsenal of ritual tattoos was a secret, and he needed to use them judiciously to maintain their cover.
"Alright you two, I want a clean fair fight. If either of you have learned any rituals they are fair game," He handed each of the boys a sack of the magic powder that allowed them to draw rituals in the air, "just in case you are not able to draw with just ritual energy yet," he explained with a wink. Then he backed out of the arena and began to countdown.
"Three! Two! One, and Begin!"
As the duel commenced, Riven launched into an aggressive stance, his movements suggesting he was indeed well-prepared, coupled with the small horns on the top of his head showing a clear indication of an enhancement ritual. Kendell, on the other hand, opted for a more defensive approach, using his innate agility and the subtle boost from his Body Enhancement Ritual tattoo.
Riven unleashed a series of swift strikes, each powered by a faint glow of energy. Kendell dodged and weaved, biding his time, his mind calculating the best moment to strike back.
Realizing he needed an edge, Kendell discreetly activated the tattoo on the base of his neck that came from his Ritual History class, channeling its identification power. To the onlookers, it appeared as though Kendell suddenly could read every single one of Riven's moves, leaving Riven swinging at thin air- but the assault never slowed down leaving the inexperienced onlookers to believe Kendell was barely hanging on, and it was only a matter of time till Riven locked him down.
Utilizing the element of surprise, Kendell ignited his Form Demon 1 ritual tattoo while signing the ritual in the air with the powder from the professor. He then dashed with incredible speed seemingly reappearing behind Riven, to deliver a calculated blow that sent Riven stumbling forward. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, impressed by the unexpected turn of events.
Kendell then used even more energy to fuel his tattoo and proceeded to unleash an unyielding assault on Riven, who was knocked off balance from the previous attack. The fight was over not five seconds later, with Riven collapsed on the ground in defeat.
The class all wore a face of pure shock- even Coli and Celia didn't think Kendell's proficiency in the Form Demon 1 Ritual had hit the point of use in real combat! Professor Falis praised both students for their skill and strategy while helping Riven to his feet. Kendell's classmates looked at him with newfound respect, curious about the sudden burst of prowess he had displayed.