Professor Shiki left the classroom, leaving us alone and asking us not to kill each other.
"This silence is embarrassing," I said in a disinterested tone.
"It's your fault; you went too hard, Areyos. I can see it from their perspective. The first time you pressured me like that, I was five years old, and I didn't sleep for three days," Yoko whispered loudly, furrowing her brows.
"Mm, I contributed, but I'm not entirely responsible," I replied, eyes closed.
"How can you say you're not entirely responsible?" she asked, confusion evident on her face.
"Well, with the mystery surrounding Erina Shelter and my pressure on Corvus, not to mention the six sub-elements of earth, the weak-minded will quickly think they're outmatched against the Metaryons, and that it's a lost cause for combat class," I argued.
"But based on their reactions, we can roughly determine who is the strongest. Those who seem relaxed must have a certain level of confidence, which could suggest they are aware of their strengths despite the information and situations they've just experienced," Kaiser added.
His reasoning was logical. Indeed, while some students were shaken by the events, others who initially seemed bored ultimately found the situation interesting. There's no doubt this year will be intriguing.
"We should refrain from thinking we already have the advantage," Yoko said.
"I agree. As long as we haven't seen what they're worth on the field, let's stay cautious," Kaiser added.
Barely had he finished speaking when the professor walked back into the room.
"I don't think there will be any problems with this professor," Yoko said, her voice trembling. Astonishment was clearly etched on her face. And soon I understood why. The professor who had just entered was taller than Mr. Shiki and, unlike him, was much more muscular. He exuded a charismatic aura and walked in with his chin held high until he reached the middle of the board.
"Hello everyone, I am the martial arts and physical education professor. My name is Zemus."
"Hello, Professor Zemus," the class replied.
"Many of you are already closely acquainted with the world of martial arts. So today, we will simply explore the characteristics of each race," he said, fiddling with something on the magical console at the center of the platform that allowed the use of all the magical gadgets in the room.
"Some of you believe that power depends on race, but this is not always true. You will certainly realize this."
As soon as he finished speaking, a magical circle surrounded by runes appeared on the ceiling of the room, covering it entirely. In an instant, we found ourselves outside in the vast training ground of Moore Academy.
"Perfect, we will start by recording everyone's energy systems. Then we will focus on the characteristics of each race," he said, gesturing with his hand to direct our attention to a white sphere levitating on a golden pedestal.
"This magical device detects a person's power, energy systems and their natures, as well as their race. You will see the results on this giant screen made of pure mana. You will each take your turn."
"I heard this professor is very tough. If that's true, the weak-minded will experience a real psychological nightmare," I analyzed out loud.
"I don't understand, what do you mean by that?" Yoko asked, looking confused.
"By analyzing our characteristics in front of everyone, we will all be aware of each person's level here, and the weaker-minded will feel crushed by the strength of the stronger ones. They will thus have an anticipated fear of opponents more powerful than them, which will affect their performance."
"So you mean Professor Zemus's plan is to instill a certain fear in the weaker-minded to force them to confront it during this class?" Kaiser asked.
"Exactly. The weakest but mentally strong will find motivation to move forward, while the weak-minded will become discouraged."
"So as long as you're mentally strong, you have nothing to worry about, right?" Yoko asked.
"Hm, not exactly. Thinking this way is a trap as well. If the weakest see it as discouragement, the strongest will see it as a certain assurance of victory over the weakest and will lower their guard. Thus, the weaker-minded must be able to play on the fact that their opponents underestimate them to surprise them, and the strongest must be careful not to lower their guard even against weaker opponents."
"Ahh, I understand better now," Yoko exclaimed.
"Seriously, Rey, you're smarter than before. I hadn't seen things like that at all," Kaiser said, patting my head, a slight proud smile on his face.
The students took turns being analyzed until only a few remained.
"Ms. Yoko Belserion, it's your turn," the professor called.
"Okay, here I go," she replied.
She placed her hand above the crystal sphere, and as expected, she had interesting stats.
| Energy System: Ki and Chi
Race: Metaryon
Active Nature: Earth, Fire, Metal
Power Level: Student Yoko Belserion is more powerful than 72% of the class. |
The class was astonished, especially since it was once again a Metaryon causing this surprise. Right after Yoko, it was Troy's turn.
| Energy System: Ki and Chi
Race: Metaryon
Active Nature: Fire and Earth
Power Level: Student Troy Rocklander is more powerful than 28% of the class. |
"Not bad for a loser," I said, maintaining an indifferent look at his stats.
"Ms. Arwyna Phytis, it's your turn."
| Energy System: Mana and Chi
Race: Elf
Active Nature: Plant, Water, and Light
Power Level: Student Arwyna Phytis is more powerful than 74% of the class. |
"Mastery of Light? That's not one of the 5 elements of Chi," Yoko questioned, looking at me.
"That's simply because it's not Chi but Mana. Chi is limited to the 5 elements. Mana can go further and can even take on non-elemental forms," I replied.
"Mana does provide some notable advantages," Kaiser added.
"Mr. Corvus Sherwind, it's your turn."
| Energy System: Chi
Race: Aegyl
Active Nature: Air and Lightning
Power Level: Student Corvus Sherwind is more powerful than 82% of the class. |
Corvus's stats were just impressive enough to give the class chills. He returned after being analyzed and shot me a provocative glance.
"He's definitely one of the strongest in the room; i'm not gonna lie, he's a monster," Yoko exclaimed.
"Don't worry; you've got two monsters with you. We're the strongest in the class. It'll be between Areyos and me," Kaiser said confidently, trying to reassure Yoko.
"We'll see..." I said, looking thoughtfully at Erina Shelter.
"When Areyos starts thinking so seriously, it's definitely something to worry about," Yoko replied. But soon, a call caught our attention and that of the entire class...
"Ms. Erina Shelter, it's your turn please."
" 'Please' ? Why does she get polite phrasing?" Yoko said with a sulky, jealous expression.
"Ahah, are you jealous?" I teased, tapping her head.
"Not at all!" she quickly replied, turning her head aside while maintaining the same sulky expression.
As we all waited for Erina to be analyzed, our eyes on her and the whispers gradually fading, silence took over as we realized one thing: Erina had not moved.
"I refuse," she said, looking the professor straight in the eye.
These words shattered the suspense hanging in the training area. Quickly, the class's gaze shifted to the professor, awaiting his reaction. Erina was staring directly into the professor's eyes. This lasted for a few seconds, seconds of suspense during which hearts raced, and beads of sweat ran down the faces of the weaker students in the class.
Point of View of Professor Zemus
----------------------------------------
Director Gold had warned me that my class this year would be very special, and here I am, feeling pressured by a high school girl—though not just any girl… it's Erina Shelter. Her family holds one of the three treasures of Baringer, and no one has any further information about them, not even the army. I've heard that Erina cleaned out an A-rank dungeon by herself when she was only nine years old. Moreover, during her high school years, rumors circulated that some teachers she didn't like ended up either committing suicide, resigning, or, worse, disappearing without a trace. But evidence linking her or her family to these events is nowhere to be found…
"What am I going to do?..." I thought. Eventually, I had to resign myself after what felt like an eternity of enduring the piercing gaze of this mysterious young girl.
"It's up to you, but that's the only refusal I will tolerate. Do we have an agreement, Miss Erina Shelter?" I finally conceded.
"As long as you don't pry into my private life, I'm fine with that," she replied, satisfied with a charming smile.
Point of View of Areyos
-----------------------------
"What!!? Is he serious!?" Troy shouted.
"What does she think she is!?" shouted another Aegyl.
Clearly, the whole class was complaining. I was staring at Erina, who seemed unbothered by the noise.
"I knew this girl was incredible, but to scare the teacher like that is on another level," Yoko exclaimed.
"Can't deny she's even more intriguing than I imagined," Kaiser added.
"We can be sure of one thing: she's instilled a sense of insecurity in the whole class, even the teacher, who initially had an indifferent expression, surely understood that it was the best decision to make for himself," I added.
"Silence!!!" shouted the professor. This was loud and imposing enough to silence everyone. "We don't have all day. There are still three of you left to evaluate. Mr. Kaiser Mendoris, it's your turn."
"I'm coming!" he replied. "See, Yoko? He said please, hehe," he teased Yoko.
"Yeah, right," she said, still sulking.
| Energy System: Ki, Chi, ??????
Race: Metaryon
Active Nature: Earth, Metal, Fire, Lava, Lightning
Power Level: Student Kaiser is stronger than 99% of the class |
The class was surprised to see this, even Erina was taken aback. She shot me a glance that I pretended to ignore.
"Well, I expected nothing less from the son of General Barrios," the professor said enthusiastically. The girls went wild, and some fainted from emotion. It was as if he looked more handsome to them now that they knew his stats. But the most intriguing thing for everyone was the question mark in his energy system. This astonished Kaiser himself.
"Excellent, Kaiser. If you're on our team, we're safe," I said, tapping him on the shoulder with a wide smile.
"I knew it would come down to you and me anyway," he said with a proud smile, eyes closed.
"You're a monster, Kaiser, you know that?" Yoko said, laughing.
"What's with those question marks in his energy system?" Arwyna asked the professor.
"I have no idea, maybe Mr. Kaiser can enlighten us?" said the professor, looking at Kaiser.
"Honestly, I don't know any more than you do, professor," Kaiser replied, staring curiously at his stats on the giant mana screen suspended just high enough for everyone to see.
"How can you not know?" I asked.
"How do you expect me to know?? Have you ever seen energy systems other than Ki, Chi, and Mana?" he replied, sounding exasperated.
Silence was replaced by confused murmurs among the students. If they already found Erina mysterious, then Kaiser's stats were a second hammer blow to their confidence about surviving this already special year.
Point of View of Erina Shelter
-----------------------------------
After the demonstration that Areyos gave us in class earlier, I was quite intrigued to see the level of pressure he was able to put on others; it reminds me of my brother Kayn. But this kind of pressure is only manageable by experienced killers or beings with an extraordinary murderous intent. I wondered where he had learned that and what kind of life or training he must have undergone. Suddenly, an event jolted me out of my thoughts. Kaiser had just finished his analysis, and then…
| Energy System: Ki, Chi, ?????? |
"Three energy systems?" I thought, looking intrigued.
"The three known energy systems are Ki, Mana, and Chi. If those question marks represented Mana, the system would have mentioned it as it did with the elf who went earlier… Maybe he's part of that group of mercenaries operating in the shadows who can use 'that energy system,' I thought, recalling the silhouettes of mercenaries I encountered during my missions with my big brother.
"…No, impossible. Those were not Metaryons, as far as I know… but rather humans... Hmm, Kaiser Mendoris, you are just as intriguing as Areyos... I thought, smiling and glancing at him.
"If Kaiser is number two, then you must be number one, which explains your confident demeanor... right? Areyos?" I murmured, looking at him.
"Areyos Mendoris, it's your turn," called the professor.
"I'm coming," Areyos replied as he walked toward the sphere.
I was eager to know the extent of his abilities.
Point of View of Areyos
----------------------------
I placed my hand above the sphere, and then a big surprise awaited those watching.
| Energy System: Chi, Ki, ??????
Race: Human? + ?????
Active Nature: Water, Ice, Earth, Fire, Healing, and Lightning
Power Level: Student Areyos Mendoris is stronger than 98% of the class |
"98?? How is that possible?" Yoko exclaimed.
"Moreover, what are those question marks? There are even more than there were for Kaiser," some students said.
"The question marks are already strange, but the most peculiar thing is that I don't see 'Metaryon' mentioned anywhere there, even though he masters Ki like an ordinary Metaryon," Kaiser said, astonished.
"And it's not all; what's with the '+'?" Yoko asked, increasingly confused.
"An hybrid…?" the professor pondered aloud.
"Huh? An hybrid? Please explain, professor," Corvus asked.
"Well, I think Mr. Areyos here is an hybrid."
This astonished everyone. "An hybrid? Wow," they murmured behind me, trying to hide their astonishment.
"But professor, if I'm an hybrid, what races am I descended from? And why is there a question mark at the end of 'human'?"
"I have no idea, but regarding the question mark on 'human?' It simply means the system is uncertain about whether you are truly human."
"Uncertain?" I wondered.
"Okay, but why is the second race covered in question marks?" I asked the professor, looking confused.
"What!? You really don't know what races you come from?" the professor asked, astonished by my question.
"Even I'm confused, considering we grew up together," Kaiser added.
"I always thought that if I managed to master water and ice in addition to the other elements that Metaryons use, it was because I was both human and Metaryon. But now, I don't see Metaryon anywhere, and I'm having trouble understanding; the system is questioning my humanity, and my second race isn't even Metaryon." I added, looking puzzled and thoughtful.
"But wait, because on top of that, he's not even the strongest!?" an elf exclaimed.
It's true; all those question marks had made us forget something: I was only stronger than 98% of the class, so I was very likely behind Kaiser. I could feel Erina's perplexed gaze on me.
Point of View of Erina Shelter
----------------------------------
As expected, Areyos's stats left me speechless, so surrounded by mysteries. To be able to master all these elements, Areyos would have to be human since their bodies allow them to assimilate any energy system and any elemental natures, which would explain the variety of elements he could control.
But something intrigued me despite this characteristic. Although a human can change the nature of their Chi, they cannot have multiple active natures in their Chi at the same time. They go through a process called "transition" to change the nature of their Chi, which temporarily paralyzes their mastery during the process. This can take up to three minutes for experts and can last up to one month for the less skilled. So it's impossible for water, earth, and fire, which are not sub-elements but actual elements, to be present simultaneously in the same Chi. I already found Areyos strange, but now he was a mine of mysteries.
Point of View of Areyos
--------------------------------
My stats confused everyone, including myself. The professor tried to look in the database for any theoretical natures or ongoing research that could explain my characteristics, and he seemed to find something.
"It's very unlikely, and it's only theoretical; I don't think this is it," he murmured while looking at a mysterious file on a mini-screen of mana floating thirty centimeters from his face.
"Anyway, I guess this class is more special than I thought. Let's finish the first part, shall we? We've already taken too much time. Mr. Klaus Varray, it's your turn."
"Erina Shelter is, after all, the strongest; I'm not really surprised," I said, looking at her.
"We'll have to be wary of her, though," Yoko added.
"Calm down; we haven't seen her in combat yet," Kaiser interjected.
Suddenly, a loud crashing sound echoed through the training area, plunging it into silence. It took a moment to realize that the noise we had just heard was the sound of the analysis sphere exploding into a thousand pieces, releasing a shockwave that knocked down the weaker students and forced the stronger ones to shield their faces with their forearms to protect themselves from the debris and dust.
"Oops, that wasn't very sturdy," said Klaus Varray. The man the professor had named was slightly taller than me, with long, deep black hair cascading down to his shoulders. His piercing violet eyes seemed to penetrate the darkness, adding to his mysterious aura. He wore elegantly tailored black clothing, topped with a black cloak that floated behind him with every movement. He had a calm voice and a serious, intimidating presence.
"You… you were wrong, Areyos…" Yoko said, her voice trembling with fear.
"Apparently, yes... so it's him…" I replied, my eyes still fixed on Klaus.
"The number one of the class," Kaiser completed.
To be continued…