Nelia was one five alumni who had been specifically trained by Lord Sinix while they were at the IMA. Others who had gone through the school had often referred to them as the IMA’s Pentagon. During the time they were at the school, the five of them went on to make a name for themselves, achieving feats at the end of the war era which did not go unnoticed by Masters and High Lords of the Nation.
At a time when the war had ended and the Vassar tribe was set for execution, the five of them were hoped to be the next generation of Mages who would lead the Nation to greatness and power alongside the Grand Mage.
Ten years on however, three out of five of them had departed across the continent, on specific journeys given to them by higher authority, details of which were limited to Lord Sinix. He however went on to recruit two out of the five; Nelia, and Renbao, and turned them to Masters at the IMA.
Nelia was the only female among them. The Pentagon was made up of exceptional Mages, who excelled uniquely and strongly at Element and Spirit magic. And while she a Spiriter, was no where as strong as the other four, Nelia was considered equally as powerful because of her sound judgement, her special ability to read situations and most especially her prowess in hand-to-hand combat.
Nelia had been called by Sinix to be the combat trainer, but she’d spend most of her days talking to the students as a counsellor. “It’s Important to give the kids attention.” She always said to Renbao who considered his duties as a Cadre Master more stress than leisure.
It’d been four months since the IMA begun their semester, and two months since Tobey started attending classes. All the first years were gathered in the large training hall, clad in blue shirts and black cargo pants and boots, an unusual look for the Arcstones. Tobey was digging the style however, stretching his fine sleeves and squeezing his glove clad hands occasionally.
The training gear used by the IMA was made of special material as was their uniform Jacket, the threads incorporated with mana, making them suitable to resist magical and physical attacks to a large extent. The garb worn by full-fledged Mages and Imperial guards was stronger and more durable. Nelia was here to show them how it worked.
The First years stood in five lines, all arranged according to their Cadres. The silver door in front of them opened and out stepped Nelia, twirling her fingers around her blue locks.
The students immediately gave a bow as she appeared.
“My, don’t you all look marvelous in blue,” she smiled as she took strides towards them. Her grey eyes scanned through them, her lips slowly rising into a smile.
“This is our first meeting, first-years. My name is Nelia Semaris,” she said, placing a hand on her hip. “For those of you wondering, at the early years, magic was not meant to be used for battle. Magic was a means to make life better…That’s how I like to see it.” The hall was silent as she spoke. Tobey and Bell observed her with a strong admiration. There was something about the way she carried herself that made them stare in awe. Finn however, rose a brow at her and her “seductive clothing,”.
Nelia smacked her lips and continued, “But man will be man. And with man came war. With war came the desire to protect ourselves and the things we care about. Over the centuries, mana and magic were channeled into warfare, techniques were generated for combat and mages who should have been focusing their strengths on other things were forced to use these techniques to kill.” Her tone suddenly changed, and her eyes narrowed.
Tobey could feel a strong coldness pierce the air as she quietened. A chill ran down his body as he stared into her eyes. Her gaze was piercing, like Lord Sinix’s during the entrance test.
“I could sense an eagerness in most of you while I stood behind that door, she spoke with a lower tone. “Don’t get the wrong idea, the lot of you. Perhaps the thoughts that we’re in a new era might mean you all would have no chance to use your abilities for battle has given you an unexpected enthusiasm to learn for fun.
And while that might be a good thing, remember that we battle mages use our abilities when there is conflict.” She drew closer to them, standing in front of Gyokai and his Cadre who stood nearest to the front. She placed her hand on his shoulder and gripped tightly.
“Whenever we are called to act, it means something has already been lost and there are victims; in a way, we are already losing,” she said.
“But it also means that we are trying to prevent something else from being lost and preserving those who would have been the next victims.” Hayden’s voice was loud. He stared at Nelia who looked back in surprise. In truth, the whole class was taken back by his sudden words, but none dared to move. Tobey’s lips rose into a grin as he stared at him.
“Yes, that is also true,” Nelia smirked.
She drifted backwards and walked towards an already laid out stage in front of them. She took off her long silky robe, revealing clothing identical to what the students were wearing. Like Tobey, she had gloves on, howbeit her sleeves were short.
“You, come here,” She motioned at Hayden to step forward. Kayla’s eyes twitched as she heard Nelia’s words.
“It’s okay sister,” Hayden whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder as he walked to Nelia.
Tobey was too focused on what was happening, his body failed to respond to Bell who had been tugging away at his arm. In frustration, she pinched his neck, Tobey jolted in surprise. Finn-as if he knew-immediately turned and raised his hand, slapping Tobey’s mouth, preventing him from screaming out.
“What’s happening?” Bell asked.
“What the fuck was that for?” Tobey could feel the throbbing of his skin.
“Both of you.”
Bell and Tobey needed Finn to say no more. They turned their eyes back to Nelia who had Hayden standing in front of her.
Nelia rose a finger, “One attack, I’ll offer you a chance for one attack. Then I will attack you as well.”
“Is this punishment?”
“What for?” Nelia chuckled as she relaxed her stance. Hayden took a long breath and stretched his hands forward, crouching slightly.
“You’re choosing not to attack me without magic?” Nelia asked in confusion. Even if he was an Arcstone, he would know better than to underestimate her.
“It’s not that.” Hayden replied. “I just want to test myself.”
Tobey stared deeply, his eyes turned to Kayla, who remained calm and then back to Hayden. Tobey gulped, Hayden…
“Very well then,” Nelia smiled. She clenched her fists, her grey eyes stared into Hayden’s blue. “Begin.”
In an instant burst of speed, Hayden lunged forward, his left arm swung towards Nelia who watched his movements.
He’s fast! She thought as she raised an arm to block the blow. Hayden’s tightened left fist released and his hand opened, grabbing Nelia’s arm.
Nelia’s eyes widened, A feint?!
Before her eyes could dart over to the other side, Hayden jumped slightly, kicking her left knee, her elbow, and her neck all in one fluid motion. Nelia tumbled backwards from the attack, rolling as she collapsed on the floor.
Hayden backflipped into his standing position and drew another long breath. Tobey and the rest of the students watched with their jaws dropped. It had happened in an instant.
“Good,” Nelia said as she stood to her feet. She smiled at Hayden, impressed.
He knew about the battle uniforms and used a feint. His real attack was aimed at my joints, my knee to knock me unbalanced, my elbow and my neck, both parts unprotected by the uniform.
Nelia could feel her elbow and neck throbbing. If it was any of the first years, Hayden would have knocked them out with that move. She could taste metal in her mouth and rose a finger to her lips where blood trickled down.
He’s good. She smiled and turned to Kayla who stared indifferently. Well, they always are.
“It’s my turn now,” Nelia said with a smile as she bounced on her toes. She was too eager for this. “Guard yourself.”
Hayden raised his arms in an X position in front of his chest and tightened his body. It was the same position he took whenever he was ready to take a beating when he was younger. He narrowed his eyes.
Come!!
“What is that stance?”
Hayden blinked rapidly after he heard her voice. Nelia had vanished from sight. In that second, when it seemed time slowed down and all he could sense was Mana, his irises turned left where Nelia was floating midair, keeping her face forward.
“You’re going to block my attack like that?”
Hayden suddenly felt a sharp pain, his irises drifted forward where Nelia had abruptly driven her fist into his raised arms.
Fuck!
The protection of his uniforms sleeve was clearly insufficient. He felt his arms crack and a sharp pain suddenly tore through his muscles, weakening him. He grit his teeth and clenched harder.
Nelia scoffed and pressed her arm tighter. Her eyes were changed, bearing a look of disappointment to the boy who had gotten her excited.
Useless. She thought as she thrust forward and sent Hayden flying forward. The force of it caused a shockwave that blasted in the opposite direction, cracking the ground beneath them.
The large force of wind blew against the students who watched, causing them to raise their hands to shield their eyes.
Meanwhile, Nelia who had sent Hayden into the air, immediately cast a chant, “Spirit of Handis, I call for the first wall.” A large transparent wall of mana appeared in the air, letting Hayden crash into it. Hayden’s body thudded and fell to the ground. The hall was silent, watching as Nelia stood in the small dust cloud.
Nelia walked forward, going to carry Hayden’s body off the ground when suddenly, she stopped. “Hmm?”
In the middle of the dust cloud, to her surprise and to the surprise of other students, Hayden was standing, holding the same position he had at the beginning. His body spasmed and his breath was heavy.
“You’re still standing. I’m impressed.”
Hayden lowered his weak arms. He could feel his throat burn as he coughed, “It’s no big deal.”
Nelia scoffed and turned back to the students, “As you all can see, this uniform can take sufficient physical damage and the bearer remains unscathed…”
She rose her arm, revealing a small bruise on the elbow from Hayden’s kick earlier. “It is possible however to damage someone on parts where the uniform isn’t covered. Especially the face, so do be careful. This uniform is what you all will wear on your deployment.
That will be all from me for today. You all need to get your deployment letters and prepare for your departures.”
“Yes Mistress!” They replied in unison as she turned to leave. As she picked up her robe, she had a glance at Hayden who stared at her. Nelia smiled and nodded at him slightly as she left. Cana and Alera, the other members of Hayden’s Cadre walked up to him. The other students walked out of the hall, Tobey and his Cadre included.
“You okay?” Cana asked as she touched his shoulder.
“I’m fine.”
“Come on, let’s get you to the healers.”
***
Tobey and the other had barely stepped out the hall when Renbao appeared before them with their envelopes.
“Yo!” He said, with a wide grin. Tobey and Finn stared with wide eyes. Master Renbao had disappeared for weeks.
“Master Renbao, where have you been?” Bell yelped as she strode towards him.
“Getting your letters. Pack up, we’re heading out immediately.”
“Where to?” asked Finn.
Renbao smiled, “Raigoku.”
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