After what had just transpired, Garlock and Marlowe felt a mix of relief and nervousness, as Kazu had used a powerful skill without even realizing it. Immediately, Kazu apologized for his carelessness, saying, "Please forgive me. I was negligent with my skill, but it won't happen again."
Garlock chuckled softly, stroking his white beard, and said, "It's just as well; now Marlowe and I know what you're capable of. But be more careful next time. Understood?"
Garlock then walked over to where the other four students were standing and said, "Now that you've all received your respective affinities, we can begin your real training."
Kazu returned to his spot, standing tall as he faced Professor Garlock. The soft rustling of leaves from the nearby trees filled the air, and the warm sunlight bathed the outdoor courtyard where the class had gathered. "Professor Garlock, I'm back in my place now. I apologize again for the disruption," he said, his voice steady yet respectful.
Garlock looked at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he stroked his long, white beard. "It's better to make mistakes and learn from them than to move through life thinking you're always right. Now, let's get started with our class."
Kazu bowed deeply, his expression one of genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Professor."
Professor Marlowe, standing a few steps away, observed Kazu intently, his sharp gaze cutting through the bright daylight. "Alright," he said, his tone carrying the weight of authority, "let's return to today's activity. We'll begin showcasing your magic powers." As he spoke, a palpable aura of power emanated from him, causing the breeze to shift slightly, the air around them seeming to hum with energy. The five students felt a wave of nervousness, the intensity of Marlowe's presence settling heavily in their chests.
Garlock, ever the more genial of the two, clapped his hands together with a lighthearted smile. "Line up in front of us and introduce yourselves, starting with your full name and the magic affinity you've chosen."
The students shuffled into a line, the air thick with anticipation. The vibrant greenery and open sky above provided a stark contrast to the seriousness of the moment. Professor Marlowe's eyes followed their every move, assessing them with a critical eye. Kazu was the first to step forward, his hand raised confidently. "I'm Kazu Gonomiya, and I've chosen the Air affinity."
Garlock's smile widened, clearly pleased with Kazu's introduction. Next in line was Krisha, who stepped forward with an air of quiet confidence. "I'm Krisha Grega, and I've chosen the Dark affinity."
Roderick followed, his voice firm and clear. "I'm Roderick Hayashi, and I've chosen the Light affinity."
Yozuke was next, his tone calm and composed as he spoke. "I'm Yozuke Hase, and I've chosen the Water affinity."
Finally, Lima, the quietest of the group, stepped forward with a slight, almost shy smile. "I'm Lima Erden, and I've chosen the Fire affinity."
Garlock nodded approvingly at the introductions, his eyes gleaming with pride and excitement. The gentle breeze and the rustle of leaves seemed to mirror the hopeful energy of the students. Marlowe, however, remained stoic, his expression unreadable as he watched them. Despite his composed exterior, his mind was racing, thoughts swirling with a sense of unease.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something extraordinary about these students—especially Kazu. The words of his mother, a revered seer, echoed in his mind with haunting clarity.
"A new God will be born into this world, and they will serve as the Hero of all creation. But not yet," she had said, her voice heavy with prophecy.
"But who will it be? Where will they come from?" he had asked, desperate for more answers.
"They're not in this world yet, but the end of the Creator's life draws near... Azer will die..."
"But why...?"
"I don't know... But it will happen."
The memory was vivid, and as Marlowe stood there, watching the students in the sun-dappled courtyard, he couldn't help but wonder if Kazu might be the new God his mother had spoken of. But why did Kazu seem so unaware of the power he might hold? Could he really be the one destined for such greatness?
Marlowe's thoughts were interrupted when Garlock approached him, noticing the distant look in his colleague's eyes. "The students have finished their introductions. We can start their most important tasks now," Garlock said, his tone gently pulling Marlowe back to the present.
Marlowe nodded, shaking off the lingering thoughts. "Forgive me, Garlock, I was deep in thought. Let's begin the students' tasks."
As they moved forward with the lesson, the serene surroundings of the university's outdoor courtyard contrasted with the gravity of the moment. Marlowe couldn't help but cast another glance at Kazu. Could he really be the new God of this world? And if so, why is he so unaware of what's happening? Perhaps I need to explain everything to him... but will he believe me?
With these thoughts still swirling in his mind, Marlowe prepared to lead the students through their challenges, knowing that today could be the beginning of something far greater than any of them could imagine.
After a brief talk, Professors Garlock and Marlowe decided it was time to split the students into groups based on the magic affinities they had chosen. The courtyard buzzed with anticipation as the five students stood before them, waiting for their assignments.
Garlock, his voice steady and authoritative, addressed the group first. "We'll divide you into two groups according to your chosen affinities. Yozuke Hase and Lima Erden, you'll be with me. I specialize in Water, Earth, and Fire magic, so you'll be under my guidance."
Yozuke and Lima stepped forward, their expressions a mix of excitement and determination as they moved to join Garlock's side.
Marlowe then turned his gaze to the remaining three students. His tone was calm and measured as he spoke. "Kazu Gonomiya, Krisha Grega, and Roderick Hayashi, you'll be in my group. My expertise lies in Air, Light, and Dark magic."
With a sense of purpose, Kazu, Krisha, and Roderick stepped forward, joining Marlowe.
After the five students were divided into two groups, they each took turns practicing the magic affinity they had chosen. Marlowe, now guiding Kazu, Krisha, and Roderick, turned his attention first to Kazu, who had selected the Air affinity.
"Kazu," Marlowe began, his voice calm and encouraging, "to really master the Air affinity, you need to feel the air as it flows through your palms when you release your mana. Once you can sense that, you'll be able to create different types of air-based attacks."
Kazu listened carefully, nodding as he processed Marlowe's instructions. "Alright, Professor. I'll give it a shot."
He took a moment to focus, feeling the subtle movement of air against his skin. Channeling his mana, Kazu attempted to adapt a technique he had been working on—a move he called Fire Pierce, but this time, instead of fire, he used air.
To his amazement, the technique worked. A powerful blast of air shot from his palm, striking a piece of ice that had been left on the ground from one of Garlock's earlier demonstrations. The ice shattered upon impact, leaving Kazu both surprised and thrilled by the success.
"Whoa," Kazu whispered to himself, a smile spreading across his face. "It actually worked."
Marlowe observed with a nod of approval. "Impressive, Kazu. You're on the right track."
Krisha and Roderick watched closely, each of them silently preparing for their own turns, inspired by Kazu's achievement. In the distance, Garlock was guiding Yozuke and Lima through their exercises, their own affinities beginning to show promise.
After 5 hours
Kazu was feeling a bit unsettled. Ever since he began practicing his magic, his system had always sent him notifications whenever he developed a new skill. Yet today, something unusual had occurred. As he executed his Air-based attack, adapting his Fire Pierce technique to use air instead of fire, he received no such notification.
He stared at his hands, confusion knitting his brow. Why didn't I get a notification this time? he wondered. His thoughts churned as he considered the possibilities. Could it be that I can create different types of skills with various affinities? What if...
A sudden realization struck him. His eyes widened with excitement as the idea took shape in his mind. What if I could use the skills given to me with different affinities? Could I possibly use Spirit Flare with Air instead of Fire?
The thought filled him with a surge of enthusiasm. The idea of combining his skills with different magic affinities opened up a world of possibilities he hadn't considered before. The notion of adapting and blending skills in ways he had never imagined invigorated him.
Kazu's mind raced with excitement as he imagined the potential of such combinations. His heart pounded with the thrill of discovery, eager to explore these new possibilities.
After two hours of intense training, the session finally concluded. The five students were instructed to return to their respective dorms to rest and prepare for the upcoming dinner. As they left the training grounds, the courtyard once again fell into a peaceful silence, the evening air cool and mezmerising atmosphere.
Kazu, still buzzing from his new realization, walked back to his dorm with a spring in his step. The prospect of exploring his newfound ideas was exhilarating, and he couldn't wait to test his theories in the coming days.
Kazu took a glance on his right hand and said, "Maybe I will call this Affinity Extraction". He smiled slightly and prepare to sleep and rest.