Hanako Minami's Story

Despite having what could have been described as a peaceful sleep, it was a-shame that his awakening could not have been just as nice. Bugby woke up with a banging headache of some sort, or at least he first believed this to be the case, until he realized the difference. With both hands placed on either side of his head the demon grumbled a few choice words on the matter before opening his eyes, realizing that Cleo was the first to awake out of the three, surprisingly, in his opinion.

”Guys, we don’t want to be late! I’ll catch you guys at class!”

Taking a moment to acknowledge her words, the green-haired boy merely watched as the feline demon rushed out the door as quickly as she did. ”…Goodbye then.” He said with a blink, still vaguely hearing the ringing from his early wake-up call. Swinging his legs over the demon hopped down to the ground, running a hand lazily through his hair as he shifted himself into the bathroom. Bugby simply splashed some water onto his face, rubbing his eyes and finally snapping into reality.

”I suppose we best get this thing over with,” He sighed half-heartedly, somewhat un-enthusiastically, before returning to the bedroom area and looking to the blonde-haired mage. ”Best not be late to our first class – lets go.” He waited a few minutes, ensuring he had everything he needed, before leaving the room altogether and letting Ichiro catch up in his own time.

Eventually Bugby reached the classroom and made his way inside, soon spotting Cleo towards the front, and taking the seat next to her as they waited for their mage to join them soon after. Not long later, the Headmaster entered the room and began to address the students.

"Allow me to introduce your supervising teachers, who will be the ones to oversee and advise you. I, Midora Kurayami, Headmaster and also a Mage Teacher, will look after group 3. Standing next to me is Mikari Akigawa, a Mage Teacher and the supervising teacher of group 4. The shorter lady here is Embla Brodersson, a Demon Teacher and supervisor of group 1. And last but not least, Sarah Rayne, the Demon Teacher in charge of group 2. I hope that during your time at the Academy, you will listen and follow every advices we give, strictly follow our instructions so that you can better yourself."

Bugby merely shrugged at the news. He was neither overly pleased nor excited about what was to come for the students, though he did have some interested, it wasn’t much. The remainder of the mans words dind’t reach Bugby much, and yet, similar to his teammate, he also could not believe their luck of having the Headmaster as their group advisor. Were they that unlucky?

”Oh crap he’s in charge of our group,”

The demon sighed with a nod, clearly sharing the same disbelief as the girl. ”Looks like it. Better get use to the idea.”

"As for the first day, we will have different sessions for both Mages and Demons. Four Mages of four group, please follow me and Mikari-sensei to the training room. The rest of the Demon students will learn their introduction lecture with two ladies here. Let our first day begin."

”Oh good-y.” He sulked, biting his lower lip in slight boredom. As the Headmaster took his leave with another teacher, Bugby watched as the few mages of the class left also, leaving the rest of the demons to sit. Along with Cleo, he too grasped a moment to eye up his class and see the individuals who would be his peers. His attention was broken though, when Cleo beckoned him.

"Psst... These losers ain't got nothin' on us. We’re gonna have real fun, huh?"

He offered a nod of agreement, along with a slight grin towards the girl. ”Oh, of course. Just do not do anything too crazy, it is only our first day.” Sitting back in his chair the green-haired demon paid little attention to the other students, only shifting his stare between Cleo and the two demon teachers.

When the Mages have gathered, Midora took a quick glance at them. Just by the look, he can already give them a quick judge. All of them hold their own potentials. Although they came from different places with different backgrounds and that they came here with different purposes, he knows that it is his and Mikari's job to teach them all that they needed to know. Some of them have already got a good hold with their magic and some needed to be trained, but they all had a certain flaws that will be fixed during their time training here. Midora then turned to look at the Mage of his group for a while. It seems he was exactly like what I read from his profile yesterday, but we shall see.

"Although Dora-sensei here has already said a little about me and my name earlier but allow me to introduce myself again." Mikari said to the students with his usual smile, "I'm Mikari Akigawa, master of Dark Magic like our Headmaster here and a newly appointed Mage Teacher of this Academy. You can address me as Mika-sensei, Mr. Mikari or something like that, just don't cross the line. Hope that you all will have a wonderful time here at the Academy." Then he turned to the Mage of the group that he was going to supervise, "Especially you, Ms. Toshiko. Remember that I will keep my eyes on you."

"As for me, I will go as the same like him." Midora continued, "So, I take it as you all enjoy the little awakening earlier? I hope you will, because that's a part of everyday routine. Now let's go, we will induce about our lesson today more at the training room."

With that said both Midora and Mikari began to walk and led the students to their destination. As they were walking, Mikari poked Midora, "Hey, have you changed your shampoo lately?" He said as he took a sniff at his friend's hair, "Yep, there's no doubt about it. Though this one doesn't smell bad, I still prefer the previous one more."

Midora turned and gave Mikari a glare, "What the hell are you doing? We're walking in front of the students. And it's not a good time for jokes. Pay attention to when and where, will you?" He said with a low tone, almost as if he was murmured. It's not like that he mind if that was Mikari, but at least he has to keep his image in front of the students. But no matter what, he knew that Mikari just wouldn't care, because that's how Mikari like.

"Aw, come on. Don't be so serious like that; I'm sure they wouldn't like it if you're keeping making that face. I'm quite sure that they wouldn't really mind." Mikari said with a grin as he pushed his elbow on Midora's arm. Midora just simply gave a 'Tch' and turned his head away. Mikari giggled. I just want you to be the person that you used to be before, but I guess it wasn't me who will help you with that. Hopefully one day there will be someone who will pull you out from that darkness, Dora-chin.

After a while walking, they finally made it. Standing in front of a huge door, Midora waved his hand as it glows a purple-ish sheen and unlocked it. As the door opened itself, both of the Teachers walked in along with the students. Midora flicked off as the veils that covered all the windows unveiled themselves and let the light get in, brighten up the whole room. The training room was very spacious and fully-equipped with many facilities that required for both physical and magic training. Though the most notable points are that there's a duel ground on the right of the room and four big, dark pillars at the end of the room.

"Do the introduction, Mii. I'll go and prepare." Midora said. Mikari then nodded and the Headmaster went and prepares the tools for their first session. Mikari then turned to the students, "Well then. From your profiles that were sent when you enrolled, I know you all have different backgrounds with different strength. But you all have your own potentials, which is why you're here so that you can learn how to make good uses of them. During your time here, we will teach you everything you needed to know about magic, from basic to advance." Mikari lectured, "First, what is the true definition of magic? If we explain it in a scientific way, magic is a supernatural ability that a part of humanity possessed when they're born. Humans with such ability are able to control 100% of their brains and their nerve systems, which allows them to be able to control the forces of nature around them. But to put it in a more simple way, magic is the source of all Mages' power from both our bodies and our souls. Without it, Mages cannot survive. Magic has many types, which can be ranged from the simple spells that every Mages should be able to control..." Mikari said as he waved his index finger and some experiment rocks on a table nearby floated telekinetically, "...to the more complex spells which involve with the elements around us." This time, Mikari said as he swung his arm and darkness covered the whole room.

With just a clap, the lights then returned to the room. Mikari then continued, "Seven basic elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Light, Dark and Ether, are the main sources for all of our magic. Each of us Mages have a special element that will decide the features of our abilities. For example, if you has the ability to conjure items, then your element is Earth or Air, depends on how you train to use it in your life. If we put them on a scale, then the easiest and the most common elemental source for Mages' unique abilities is Air, while the most complex and hardest are Dark and Ether, which explains why the gift of controlling Dark Magic and Celestial Magic - magic that based on the Ether element, are very rare."

"Okay, that is enough for our lesson about magic. Now we're going to practical lessons." He said as he turned to the pillars in front of them, "These pillars were made from pure Dark Matter by one of the founders of this Academy. Long time ago, they were made to strengthen the school's structure because of their regenerative ability. So even if these pillars were destroyed to pieces, they will just regain after a short while." Mikari paused a bit to let his word sink in then continue, "Now, because we've found another ways to keep hold of the school's structure, these things aren't being used for that purpose anymore, but we still can use it as a mean to test the strength of the students. This is also why we took you here today."

After that, Midora walked to them and handed to each of the student and Mikari medium-length staffs with red crystals at the top of the staffs. "These are our special training staffs. As you all may have known, the process of performing our own abilities is like this. First, we synchronize our magic energy, or mana, into the first stage known as 'raw magic'. After we've gather enough raw magic, we'll be able to cast the spell. Base on this, we can check how strong a Mage is with high accuracy. However, raw magic don't have any shape and can't be seen or felt because the process often happen quick, we can use these staffs. They will absorb your raw magic into the red crystal on the top and release it in the shape of a beam that can deal damages depend on the strength of the Mage. Mikari-sensei will make an example. Go on, Mii."

Mikari nodded as he closed his eyes and cleared his mind, aim the staff at a pillar in front of him. As he cast a spell, the crystal began to shine as it absorbed his raw magic and launched a beam towards the pillar. As the beam hit, it causes an explosion that totally destroy the pillar. Looking at his result, Mikari smirked victoriously. That was just a taste. Like what he said earlier, the small pieces of the pillar, although were scattered, quickly made their way back to where the pillar stands and soon it returned to its normal state before Mikari destroy it.

"Okay, now is your turn. Each of you will now stand in front of a pillar. Focusing your energy and pour them into your staff and then release it towards your pillar. But remember, Dark Matter is one of the most indestructible substances in existence so it's likely that you can't totally destroy them like Mikari-sensei at your current strength yet. But I will make judgements depend on your mana radiation and the damages that you've done. Good luck." Midora said.

With that said, both of the Teachers stepped back and observe the Mages.

| Kasumi Toshiko |

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"Although Dora-sensei here has already said a little about me and my name earlier but allow me to introduce myself again." Mikari said to the students with his usual smile, "I'm Mikari Akigawa, master of Dark Magic like our Headmaster here and a newly appointed Mage Teacher of this Academy. You can address me as Mika-sensei, Mr. Mikari or something like that, just don't cross the line. Hope that you all will have a wonderful time here at the Academy." Then he turned to the Mage of the group that he was going to supervise, "Especially you, Ms. Toshiko. Remember that I will keep my eyes on you." K's eyes widened a little bit, remembering that her teacher was also her supervisor. Crap...

"As for me, I will go as the same like him. So, I take it as you all enjoy the little awakening earlier? I hope you will, because that's a part of everyday routine. Now let's go, we will induce about our lesson today more at the training room."

K followed the teachers as they led the group through the academy. Despite everything, good and bad, she was actually warming up to this place. A great feat indeed. She gazed around at all of the details. As her neutral mood improved, her tough exterior melted away to reveal an almost childlike curiosity.

They finally reached the classroom and K wondered what they were going to teach her. She had watched the teachers whispering, and it seemed that Mikari was very lighthearted and a bit playful, where the Headmaster had a more serious mask.

"Well then. From your profiles that were sent when you enrolled, I know you all have different backgrounds with different strength. But you all have your own potentials, which is why you're here so that you can learn how to make good uses of them. During your time here, we will teach you everything you needed to know about magic, from basic to advance." Mikari lectured, "First, what is the true definition of magic? If we explain it in a scientific way, magic is a supernatural ability that a part of humanity possessed when they're born. Humans with such ability are able to control 100% of their brains and their nerve systems, which allows them to be able to control the forces of nature around them. But to put it in a more simple way, magic is the source of all Mages' power from both our bodies and our souls. Without it, Mages cannot survive. Magic has many types, which can be ranged from the simple spells that every Mages should be able to control..." K noticed a few rocks on a nearby table float, grabbing her attention for a moment. "...to the more complex spells which involve with the elements around us." Darkness blanketed the room, enveloping K in folds of night.

With just a clap, the lights then returned to the room. Mikari then continued, "Seven basic elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Light, Dark and Ether, are the main sources for all of our magic. Each of us Mages have a special element that will decide the features of our abilities. For example, if you has the ability to conjure items, then your element is Earth or Air, depends on how you train to use it in your life. If we put them on a scale, then the easiest and the most common elemental source for Mages' unique abilities is Air, while the most complex and hardest are Dark and Ether, which explains why the gift of controlling Dark Magic and Celestial Magic - magic that based on the Ether element, are very rare."

"Okay, that is enough for our lesson about magic. Now we're going to practical lessons." K turned to see the dark pillars she'd noticed at first and wondered what they were made of. Luckily, her question was instantly answered. "These pillars were made from pure Dark Matter by one of the founders of this Academy. Long time ago, they were made to strengthen the school's structure because of their regenerative ability. So even if these pillars were destroyed to pieces, they will just regain after a short while. Now, because we've found another ways to keep hold of the school's structure, these things aren't being used for that purpose anymore, but we still can use it as a mean to test the strength of the students. This is also why we took you here today."

After that, Midora walked to them and handed to each of the student and Mikari medium-length staffs with red crystals at the top of the staffs. "These are our special training staffs. As you all may have known, the process of performing our own abilities is like this. First, we synchronize our magic energy, or mana, into the first stage known as 'raw magic'. After we've gather enough raw magic, we'll be able to cast the spell. Base on this, we can check how strong a Mage is with high accuracy. However, raw magic don't have any shape and can't be seen or felt because the process often happen quick, we can use these staffs. They will absorb your raw magic into the red crystal on the top and release it in the shape of a beam that can deal damages depend on the strength of the Mage. Mikari-sensei will make an example. Go on, Mii."

Looking at her staff, she smiled briefly. The crystal was about the same color as her magic- a bloody scarlet hue. She examined it briefly. The crystal was actually quite pretty, like a ruby of some sort. She wondered if it contained magical energy. She watched as Mikari used his, maybe there was a trick.

K watched her supervisor close his eyes and nod. He pointed the staff at the midnight-coloured pillar and sent a bolt of magic straight at it, shattering it completely. K was amazed, frankly; she'd never seen a mage quite that proficient in magic work before. The pillar reformed as the Headmaster had promised. She knew that wasn't Mikari's full power, she could sense it somehow. He was almost... holding back?

"Okay, now is your turn. Each of you will now stand in front of a pillar. Focusing your energy and pour them into your staff and then release it towards your pillar. But remember, Dark Matter is one of the most indestructible substances in existence so it's likely that you can't totally destroy them like Mikari-sensei at your current strength yet. But I will make judgments depend on your mana radiation and the damages that you've done. Good luck."

She didn't want to go first, but shrugged and stepped forward. She readied herself mentally and closed her eyes. Raw magic...? What element could she possibly have? The only one she could even imagine was Dark, but after seeing her teachers, it was highly unlikely. K pointed her staff at the pillar and conjured up what she assumed was raw magic. It poured out of the staff and she heard cracking, but didn't dare look. Had she passed?

She felt a faint tickling sensation on her face. Her crimson eyes flashed open and she remembered why she never used her raw magic. As the gorgeous tattoo-like marks blossomed across her face, she internally panicked. The Curse... how far would it go?



The red flowers bloomed into a pretty image... or it would have been, if it wasn't so dangerous. She could feel her magic thrashing around, and it seemed like it was trying to escape. She held her hand up to the flower and could sense the power running the lines. Quickly pulling her hand away, she tried to hold down the magic. She was terrified- of the Curse, but also what she would do if it took control.

Her energy ebbed; she could feel the pulsating as the Curse sent ripples of her own magic through the ground in a circle around her. It was rather nauseating, feeling some otherworldly force take control of her own body. It was rather what she imagined a possession to be like. She was extremely vulnerable at this Academy, she realized. Any demon that had powers of possession on any level could probably take control of her body for a short amount of time.

As she tried to keep the Curse from completely annihilating everything and everyone, K knew that every single mask she'd worn was fading. The other mages could all see her vulnerability. Almost two thousand years old, still looked like a child. Almost two thousand years of magical interaction and she was completely destroyed by a stray Curse... it wasn't even hers. She'd taken it instead.

Her vision swirled and she knew she'd failed. She only hoped they were safe... anything could happen to her, but nothing to them... It seemed like an eternity, but it was only a few moments before she was taken over.

K was glad she was unconscious by the time she hit the floor.

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Ichiro awoke to the most annoying alarm he had ever hear before. Grabbing his pillow and holding it over his face and ears trying to block out any sound. I didn't surprise him that it had no effect, it seemed as if he was still on a reverse sleep cycle from all the nights of partying he did on his way here. ”Guys, we don’t want to be late! I’ll catch you at class!” Cleo bolted out of the room. That reminded him that they did indeed have class this morning. He tried to get out of bed, but all he did was rollover once and get closer to the edge. With Cleo gone it was only himself and Bugby and right as he was about to call out to Bugby to stay here and be late with him Bugby was already leaving. ”Best not be late to our first class – lets go.” Though Ichiro still sat in bed, he could hear Bugby doing something until the room was quiet again. "It's seven in the morning, who wakes up at seven in the morning." He yelled into his pillow before throwing it across the room.

Ichiro dragged himself out of bed as golden particles flew around him and his pajama pants changed into jeans and a black shirt and white jacked formed around his torso. It didn't take to long, but he grabbed a quick snack still a little annoyed at the early morning wake up call. Finishing the bare minimum requirements for him to get his day started he started walking over to class. Now he didn't care if he was late at all, but right when he put his hand on the door he could see the headmaster enter his view. Instantly chills went down his back, the good kind though, the kind you get when you are so excited you can barely contain it.

Opening the door and walking in right away. For sure the last student who was going to enter the room he sat down with the headmaster entering almost right behind him. The headmaster began talking and introducing the other teachers, but one sentence almost knocked Ichiro out of his seat. "I, Midora Kurayami, Headmaster and also a Mage Teacher, will look after group 3." After hearing that he would be leading one of the groups Ichiro would accept none other then the headmaster himself teaching him and that's exactly what he would get. His foot was tapping at an excessive rate while the widest grin could be seen on his face. It took all his power, but he had to contain himself just for a little bit no point in spoiling all the fun right away.

The demons and mages would train separately for today at least which made him a little sad since he couldn't see what his other class mates could do. Still he was satisfied enough training with the headmaster and testing the limits of his fellow mages. Getting up with the others and following the rest of the mages out of the room and to wherever they were going to have lessons. As he left though he had to take a look around the room to see who would entertain him for now. Glancing at Bugby and Cleo he would see what they were made of later which was good enough for him. With only three other guys who all seemed to be demons and the rest being girls. No one looked particularly special, but he knew better then anyone you can't judge someone on their appearance. Though one person did catch his eye as he was leaving the room it seemed as if one of the girls in the class had bunny ears it took a glance to confirm it. That reminded him of someone else who seemed to have animal like qualities. He would have to dive deeper into that later now he had to focus on having fun with his new toys.

It seemed the other mages were all girls. With his entire class almost all female and holding some sort of power hidden away it was almost like a fantasy come true. Adding another objective to his plans for entertainment he was dead set on having all the fun he could here before being done with it. As they left the class he looked close at the others to size them up in a way, but without glaring or being to obvious. The first one was a girl in a wheelchair who looked to soft to be here. I'll have to act quick if I want to have any fun with her since she won't last long here. He thought to himself while looking over at the next mage she didn't stand out to much with nothing to give him any discernible ideas about her. The last who seemed child like which meant either she was powerful enough to come here at that age or she isn't what she seems. Either way he would make this enjoyable though maybe only for himself.

Before he even noticed they were at the training room. This is where the magic will happen I can't wait to see what everyone's got. That feeling quickly washed away when the teacher who introduced himself as Mikari began to lecture them all. Lectures were one of the things Ichiro was bad with, preferring to just fight and learn in the moment then hear someone preach about studies and learning. Though surprisingly since he normally doesn't get angry at anything, he got slightly agitated to hear that his magic revolved around the easiest and most common elements. When working with his magic in the past he found it quite hard to work with at time. His hand clinched into a fist I'll show them rare magic I'll be using Dark and Ether magic in no time. Though he had no idea what Ether magic was at all, it was a good thing he wasn't saying his thoughts aloud.

He took the staff and looked it up and down listening to the rest of what Mikari said. Though as he talked more and more about raw magic and synchronize mana Ichiro's head started to get tangled up. Why does any of this matter, he who lands the hardest blow wins right? Snapping back as Mikari said "we can check how strong a Mage is with high accuracy." This grabbed his attention as he was finally ready to show how strong he was.

After he was finished talking Ichiro walked over to one of the pillars as instructed and raised his staff ready to massacre the pillar. I'll destroy this pillar so badly nothing will be left to reform. Pointing the staff at the pillar with a look of excitement he started to cast a spell. His crystal shined bright and time seemed to slow down for Ichiro as he examined every part of what would clearly be his defining moment. And it went, a beam was sent from his staff, time moved in slow motion for him as it seemed the beam was sizable smaller then the headmasters. Ichiro's excited and cocky look started to look grim as the beam struck the pillar. No explosion no shattering of the pillar to oblivion, only a smalls spark that broke a fragment of the pillar off leaving small cracks that were about a penny sized divot. It reformed in the blink of an eye, but Ichiro was already defeated in his mind. Time seemingly froze and his attitude dropped as his face became horrified. All the power he thought he had was minuscule if nothing it seemed in his mind now. Time roared back to life as his face turned to that of anger as he launched a rapid volley of blasts one after another all with the same effect.

Their had to be a reason his strikes seemed powerless or maybe it had some secret meaning that the teachers were looking for. Still it didn't matter he already felt as if the whole world he had built around himself had crumbled into obscurity. Remembering others were in the area he quickly snapped back and put a fake smile on while turning to the headmaster. "I'm pretty sure my staff is broken it doesn't seem to be firing completely. If their are not anymore I would be happy to show you my power in another fashion maybe a dual?" Saying with a forced smile as he scrambled to put his broken mind back together. Though he was extremely glad when one of the other mages fainted he hoped it would draw attention away from himself.

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Quietly, Hanako rolled along the hallway behind the teacher and headmaster, listening intently and watching the pair closely. She could feel the gaze of a few of her fellow mages upon her but she paid it little mind. As she watched the two men they seemed close, quite friendly even, or perhaps even something more. She found it rather endearing to see such a human side of these powerful men but now was not the time for such thoughts. It wasn't too much longer until they had made it to the training room.

As they all entered the room one by one a sense of familiarity came over Hanako. This room and the tools within it reminded her of the training room back home and it was an oddly comforting feeling for the small girl. There was however one thing in particular that stood out quite a bit, a set of pillars that sat spaced about in the room. It wouldn't be quite accurate to call them black or even dark, more rather they were the very absence of light itself. After working through the possibilities she came to the conclusion that they could be nothing other than dark matter, created by a mage. And just a moment later her thoughts were confirmed. She shook her head as she admired the pillars, they were truly amazing works and the evidence of a power unfathomable to the girl.

After a brief explanation of magic that was elementary at best for Minami girl, they were handed out training staves. Hanako gripped the wooden shaft tightly and examined the magical implement. It was of solid quality though far less exquisite than what she become accustomed to using at home, it would work for its purpose however. Their first exercise was one Hanako had done countless times and that thought put her nerves at ease. And so, after this brief moment of inspecting she rolled before before one of the looking pillars of darkness and trained her resolute gaze upon it.

With the staff firmly held in both of her hands she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as she began to pull mana into the crystal at the head of the staff. The power accumulated at a steady rate as the crystal gradually brightened. As she exhaled slowly her eyes opened and she tipped the staff down to point at the consuming darkness before her. In an instant the energy released and formed a beam that struck the pillar. The beam was not wild, it was precise and steady, an obvious extension of the seated girl's will. The beam persisted for just a few moments before vanishing with a high pitched screech. The result upon the pillar was a hole about the size of a fist that seemed to dig roughly halfway through the width of darkness. Around the hole were only small cracks that vanished in nearly an instant along with the hole.

Hanako gave a small nod and sat the staff down horizontally across her lap, satisfied with her performance. Her gaze wandered over to the other two mages who had gone, it didn't seem it had gone quite so smoothly for either of them. It came as a bit of a surprise to her, had the other mages here not had proper schooling? Yet they were gifted with the ability to control demons. All she could imagine was her father's face, fuming at the sight. Shaking this thought away she turned her attention to the teacher and the headmaster, awaiting their words or further instruction.

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Liliane was being led to another area. She had no clue what was up ahead and that made her uneasy. A quick glance at the others gave her a vague idea about their personality at least. Ichiro seemed like he'd be strong. He was confident in the way he walked. Kasumi also seemed like someone who might be strong despite her size. It was her eyes that gave her that look. Hanako seemed like she would, naturally, be the weakest of the group but she, very well, held the wisest eyes. Being in a wheel chair would mean that she most likely sought and obtained her knowledge through texts. Magic was something you had to understand. You could fight using magic for decades but it was the person that held vast knowledge of abilities that would ultimately come out on top. Hanako was probably closer to understanding magic than any of the others besides the two instructors.

The group arriving at their destination cut through Lili's thoughts. After entering the room Mikari started to give them a lecture on the basic elements and their differences. Liliane was taught this lesson before. This was the basics that any mage-in-training should know. Mikari then showed pillars that seemed to be made up of darkness itself. It was as if no light could touch them. This time, Midora stepped forward and gave the students staffs. According to Midora the staffs were used to transfer mages abilities as raw magic and produce a visual beam from them that would fire and damage the pillars. This would be a test to determine each of the mages strengths. Mikari gave a quick demonstration that shattered the dark pillar. Then it seemed to gather itself up and reform to its original state just as Mikari said it would. Lili expected nothing less from their instructor and seasoned mage.

It was then the students' turn. Lili grasped the staff in both hands and she closed her eyes to concentrate. She could feel the magic go from her body to the staff. The girl then opened her eyes and pointed the staff at the pillar in front of her. It fired more like a pulse than a consistent beam. The force even cause recoil similar to the shotgun's Lili fired back when she was training as a soldier. The blast hit the pillar and after a brief delay the opposite end of where the blast hit exploded outward.

Liliane was disappointed because when she did this experiment the entire object she fired at would be obliterated. Liliane then looked at the others and noticed Ichiro barely made a scratch on his while Hanako made a decent sized hole. It seemed Lili was right about the girl but mistaken about Ichiro's strength. Maybe he was strong but lacked the knowledge of his power.

Liliane then looked to see Kasumi's progress when she suddenly began to fall over. Lili was instantly by Kasumi's side to catch her and quickly checked for vitals and breathing patterns. As Lili, gently lay the girl down she noticed a red flower on the side of Kasumi's face that wasn't there before. Lili looked for the teachers that were already making their way over.

"She is unconscious with a fever." Lili called to the two instructors. "I cannot assess, immediately, what is wrong." As Mikari and Midora arrived Lili stepped back to let them analyze what could possibly have led to Kasumi's fainting spell.

Each of the students stepped forward and followed Midora's instructions. They're all really focus and they did follow what he said, but it seemed that the results that each of them can managed to reach were different. However, that was all in Midora's expectation. All of them have their own strength, but only a few managed to carry out their potentials. But Midora knew he will have to pay more attention to them if he wants to know whether they're at their fullest or not. He knows that he'll have to push them to their limits someday, though he must admit that they have a pretty good start.

When the students concentrated their raw magic to the crystal, feeling the mana radiation was quite easy for both Midora and Mikari. They've also known if they've poured all of their power into it or not. First, after Hanako fired her shot, both of the teachers could felt that she was quite good at this, her beam of course wasn't at strong as Mikari's. However, she managed to control her raw magic quite effectively with the sensible amounts of mana and the result is that she's blasted the pillar with a small hole, but that is already quite good at her current strength. The same also goes to Liliane. Though her beam and the mana radiation weren't as stable as Hanako's and there are still some inconsistency, but she's managed to get the grip of the whole things. Well, The Dark Mages would expect no less from someone who despite having disabilities but was trained under the supervision of a well-known family and a Mage who has to went through extreme experiments in the past.

The two remaining Mages, however, were a completely different story. Ichiro has good physical strength, but it seemed that the Mage is still lack of knowledges and although he has potentials, he couldn't managed to accomplish this easy task and they know that this would be a crushing blow to the Mage's pride. Midora sighed when he saw that his student's power isn't anywhere matching his own pride just yet and he has just confirmed that it's going to take him quite some while to work on that. And then it comes to Kasumi. Although the Mage has a long history and she has lived longer than anyone else standing in the room, her power isn't as mature as her age. However, something has been bothering Mikari has he observed the Mage from his group performed. Back when he made the example himself, he did hold back his power because this only required a minimum extent of his raw magic. Yet, he also has the same feeling with Kasumi, but it's unlikely that she held back her strength on her own accord. Something else more sinister must've hold her back.

Right after Liliane finished her blow, something was stirring with Kasumi. She fell down with the mark in the shape of a crimson blossom began to spread on her face. Immediately realized, both of the Teachers nodded with each other. They made their ways towards Liliane and Kasumi.

"She is unconscious with a fever." Liliane said to them, "I cannot assess, immediately, what is wrong." As she saw that both of them has came, she stepped back so that both of them could analyze the situation. "The Crimson Curse." Mikari spoke as he knelt down, reached his hand and checked the mark on the face of now unconscious Kasumi, "her body is resisting it, the mark is fading. But it seems that she couldn't continue anymore."

"Yeah, there's no other way." Midora said, "the White Mage at the infirmary office should know how to deal with this curse. So, for now, please carry her to the infirmary. I will continue with the lesson."

Mikari nodded then reached his hand into the bag carries the magic powder that he always carried with him on his back inside his coat. He pulled out a small amount of a powder and blew it towards Kasumi. As the powder surrounded her, she is instantly levitated into the air and floated in a lying position. Mikari stood up and turned to Midora, "I'll be back shortly." With that said, both he and Kasumi vanished into a dark vortex as he transported them to the infirmary.

Midora let out a quiet sigh. He has to dealt with all sorts of troubles recently and none of them were easy to deal with if it was someone else. It seems like I'd never able to get my peace of mind. He thought to himself then turned to the remaining Mages. "Okay, students. Let;s go back to our lesson. So after some observation, I..."

Before he could finished his sentence, he saw that another vortex has appeared from nowhere. "Excuse me for a moment..." He said. This could only means one thing: there was an order that was sent from higher administration. Okay, seriously, what now? He still keep his calm posture, but actually he was a bit irritated inside from all the things that happened so quickly like that. The vortex dropped a piece of paper that was rolled up and tied with a ribbon on to Midora's hand then disappeared. He unwrapped it and read the content as the letters appeared. It seems that their staffs are going to be changed again.

Midora sighed as he rolled the paper and tucked it into his robe. He put his middle finger onto his temple and called for Mikari through their minds. "Mii, on your way back here, stopped by the classroom and informed Embla that she's going to be transferred to another branch. Someone will be here to get her soon."

After all has been resolved, he turned back to the students. "My apology. It seems that there were a lot of things we needed to taken care of." He gave a short apology then continued, "As I was saying, I've known what are your current strengths right now. Let's begin with Ms. Liliane, your raw magic proves that you have quite an affinity in controlling your own gifts. But your mana radiation is not very stable. However, the result was quite remarkable at your current strength. But that was just a beginning, I will expect to see that you can do as good in the upper challenges." Then he turned his gaze to Hanako and Ichiro, "And as for the two of you. You two seemed to lack what the other have. Ms. Hanako, you lacked of physical strength due to your disability, even though you seemed to be the most knowledgeable out of the four, which explains why you managed to control your inner power quite effectively but I can assure that it wasn't you at your best. On the contrary, Ichiro, you has the steadiest stamina with remarkable physical strength, but you lacks of knowledge on how to control raw magic effectively, which leads to the result that you was being held back."

Ichiro spoke up, in response to his performance earlier, "I'm pretty sure my staff is broken it doesn't seem to be firing completely. If they are not, I would be happy to show you my power in another fashion maybe a dual?"

Midora turned to the Mage with a serious expression, "The staffs the I gave you are working effectively. I've personally checked them myself before our session. All I can see now is that you're trying to make excuses for the weaknesses you still have. Accepting that you're not perfect isn't something that you should be ashamed of. It is because you're denying what you're still lack of that made you weaker than you really is. Do you understand?" He said coldly, "However, because you're the Mage under my supervision, I'd like to see what you are capable of. If you're still insist then it would be my pleasure dueling with you. What do you say?"

---

When Mikari teleported, he reached the infirmary only a few minutes later with Kasumi still floating on the air unconsciously. He walked into the office and gently placed her on the bed nearby. The mark on her face has almost faded, yet the magic radiation around her is still unstable. Shortly after that, a White Mage wearing a white blouse who is the Academy's doctor arrived to check Kasumi.

"What happened?" The Mage said as he took her temperature, "looks like she got a fever, but her temperature has cooled down a bit."

"It seems that she was cursed with the Crimson Curse and the process suddenly happened earlier when we're still practicing. I didn't see this include in her profile. I only knew that if this Curse reached its final stage, it will annihilate everything around the area that the cursed one was standing and that it has a form of a blossom mark. Her body is resisting it seems but I don't know how long has she been cursed. I don't really know the details other than that." Mikari said. Although he still keeps calm, he is actually quite worried for his student, "Dora-chin said you know more about it. Is there any way to reverse it?"

"I think it happened because you and the Headmaster was checking the Mages' strength earlier. The Crimson Curse will happened if the cursed one trying to use their raw magic. Usually the Curse will manage to overcome the curse ones quite fast, but it was remarkable that she can resist against it and managed to knock herself unconscious before it spreads. She has quite some potentials, I must say." The White Mage said as he fixed his glasses, "If you want to help her reverse the curse, we will need to perform a ritual between two Mages with opposing elements. Please check if you has any free time and both of us will proceed to ritual to cure her. However, the ritual won't have an instant effect. It'll take a long time for her until it was completely eradicate, which is why it is important for her to resist the Curse burden. If she can't, then she'll annihilate everyone around her, including herself."

Mikari silent for a bit then continued, "I understand. When she regains her consciousness, please inform her what has happened and I will find sometimes to proceed the ritual with you as soon as possible. Thanks for your help."

After that, Mikari intended to teleport back to the training room, but then, he received a call from Midora through his head. He listened carefully then replied, "Got it. I will go to the classroom now." With that said, he teleported to the front exit of the main classroom instead. As he peeking the door open, he asked, "Sorry for interrupting your session, but can I have a talk with Ms. Embla? Also, I think that Ms. Sarah will have to continue with her session alone for now."

Then, he told the Demon Teacher that she'd be transferred away to another branch and escorted the Demon to the entrance of the Academy, where there was someone waiting for her. After the Teacher was gone, Mikari sighed and scratches the back of his hair with boredom. Hopefully they'll send us a new replacement soon. He considered teleport back to the training room, but then decided to walk on his own. So many things happened so quickly that he has to clear his mind a bit.

---

---

---

---

Ichiro's grip tightened around the staff. He wasn't in the mood to be hearing what he really should be hearing. "All I can see now is that you're trying to make excuses for the weaknesses you still have. Accepting that you're not perfect isn't something that you should be ashamed of." His eyes drifted down and got a somewhat glazed look to them the smile faded and was replaced with a blank stare. "Not perfect....ashamed....ashamed." Slowly his face started to morph his smile changed into a grin and his eyes lit like a flare. As well his posture changed as he straightened his back and look right at the headmasters stare. Ichiro was at his limits mentally, his world had been shattered at the realization of lack of magical knowledge not even knowing the basics he had never realized the importance of it until now, but even then he couldn't accept that fact. Though now his world was reforming around him, but being built on the foundation of his rage. Every word, every sound that came out of the headmasters mouth just pushed him one step further. With every step he walked farther and farther from sanity. "It is because you're denying what you're still lack of that made you weaker than you really is. Do you understand?" With that he was at his limit. "Do I understand? Me....." He said in a whisper to himself while laughing a bit at the end.

"However, because you're the Mage under my supervision, I'd like to see what you are capable of. If you're still insist then it would be my pleasure dueling with you. What do you say?" His grin slowly turned a little twisted and his eyes widened. "Oh no it would be a pleasure of mine. Someone of your standing dueling someone like myself, oh how you honor me. Though thank you for accept it, this truly makes my day." Saying with blatant sarcasm. "Since you are accepting my challenge I would be honored if you would choose the rules and maybe we should wager a little something on it. That always makes it a little more interesting does it not?" Ichiro said as he began to take a few steps back. He acted as if no one else was in the room though it seemed as if one of the other mages was already in the process of leaving.


"I hope you don't mind this room getting a little scratched up I can't wait long enough to take it outside. Though a hole might just show itself." He said as he cracked his fingers and closed his eyes. His face took on a emotionless expression as he took in a deep breath. As he began to exhale his eyes flared open and the twisted smile returned just as his clothes began to glow golden. Golden particles began to fly around him and his clothes changed form into that of medieval armor that had a royal look to it. It finished moving about and forming and sleek fully fit armor with black trimming was left. Extending his arms downwards at an angle two golden pools formed instantly out of thin air. Two hilts started sliding out of them and Ichiro took hold of them and ripped them out reveling two long swords that he swung around as if they were weightless. "You better be ready because that stupid test greatly underestimates my power." Saying as his face lit up with excitement in a sinister manner. His brain was functioning only on the thought of fighting not even taking into account the true difference in their powers. All logic went out the window long ago and reason seemed not to be even computing with him only anger was left in it's place.

As Mikari headed back inside the Academy from the entrance, he stretched his arms tiredly. So this is how the life at the Academy was, huh? A lot more tiring than I would've thought. I really hope that everything will continue to run smoothly from here. He then let out a quiet sigh. Although the life as a grocery-shop seller was quite boring for someone who has gone through all sorts of adventure in the past like him, he must admit that that life was quite peaceful and he's missing that peacefulness a little bit now.

Yeah, Mikari's well-aware from the moment he accepted to become a Mage Teacher at this school that he'll have to carry a huge responsibility over his shoulders. Because Midora has sincerely asked him to be one, he couldn't turn the only person that he'd called brother down, even though they're not blood-related in any ways. Also, it's because that he wanted to taste the adventurous life like both of them had before. But on top of all, he cares for both Mages and Demons. Mikari knew that there are so many misleading in both species out there and he wanted that he could be able to devote his strength and knowledge to teach them to better individuals. If not for all of them, then at least, some of them will...

Dora-chin must have had really hard times at first, but he has went through all of it, then why can't I? I need to believe in myself for the life to be better. He encouraged himself. As he was walking towards the training room, suddenly he came across with the Academy's secretary. It seems that she was in a hurry for something. But just she saw Mikari, she bowed to greet him but he denied.

"Hey, you don't need to be that formal." Mikari just laughed it off, "Anyway, why are you in such a hurry?"

"I was looking for the Headmaster. There is an order from the Upper Department that has just sent to our Academy and I think he'd like to know." The secretary said between breaths.

"Oh, I was heading to the training room too. I heard that you had a lot of paperwork to taken care of, why don't you just let me report it to Dora-chin? I'm sure he wouldn't mind if it is me." Mikari grinned.

"That'd be great. Thank you very much, Mikari-sensei." The woman said with a smile of gratefulness, "They said that the new replacement for the former Teacher that was being transferred away is almost here. Her name is Amia Duvessa, a Demon Teacher. Usually Midora-sensei would personally come and greet the newly appointed Teacher so... yeah, that's the whole thing."

"I understand." Mikari nodded understandingly, "Okay, I will tell him that. You can go back for your work now, have a nice day."

"You too, Mikari-sensei." The woman said as she turned her back and went back to her office. Mikari was intended to go and inform Midora about that, but on the second thought, he decided not to. Maybe he's still busy teaching them, I shouldn't interrupt him right now because of that. It'd be best if I go and greet the new Teacher myself.

With that thought, Mikari turned his back and went to the school's entrance. When he got there, he saw that a beautiful lady was standing there. He walks toward her and greeted her. "Welcome to the Survival Kit Academy, lady. You must be Ms. Amia Duvessa, the newly appointed Teacher from the Upper Department, right?" He said as he smiled friendly to her, "My name is Mikari Akigawa, a Mage Teacher here. Because our Headmaster is busy with the lesson now, I'm here greet you. Please follow me."

Mikari said and then led Amia into the school. "You can leave any luggage you have with you here. There will be someone picking them up and send them to your room later." Mikari said. After that, he continued to led her to the main classroom, where the session for the Demon Students are still taking place. "I want to apologize that this is your first day here and you've already had to teach but we're lacking of a Demon Teacher and I don't think that our only Demon Teacher right now can handle all the students on her own so I hope that you can assist her. After the sessions are completed, I will show you your room and I can take you to see around. Sorry for all these inconveniences." Mikari said as they walked.

But just as they were walking, they came across with a couple of students walking and gossiping about something that happened during the lesson at the main classroom. He frowns when he heard that. After some while, the two Teachers finally reached the main classroom. When they got there, Mikari saw that Liliane was walking out from the door and headed back to the training room. When they reached to the exit of the room, he saw that Sarah was also walking out.

"Hey, Ms. Sarah," Mikari called out for the woman as they approached her. Mikari then began to introduce, "This is Ms. Amia Duvessa, the new replacement for the former Demon Teacher that was being transferred to another branch. From the look of it, it seems that you and the students are going to have an outdoor lesson. I think that she should be able to assist you to look after them. Please introduce her to the students and her group before you began your lesson."

He paused a bit before his tone changed to a more serious tone along with his expression, "After the morning sessions are done, I need you to tell me what has happened earlier during your session. I know that it has something to do with a Demon in my group, and as a supervisor, I need to have responsibility with him. Please meet me at the cafeteria at lunch break, if that's okay."

Then, he turned to Amia. Quickly enough, he put up his usual smile, "Well, I hope you'd have a wonderful time here at the Academy. I still have a session to take care of with my colleague so I guess I will see both of you later."

With that said, Mikari waved to the two of them as he vanished into a dark vortex. Shortly after that, he arrived before the training room door. But as he walked in, he saw that Midora was standing face to face with his group's Mage in the dual ground. The dual ground was surrounded with a barrier and both of them seemed really serious. Couldn't understand what was happening, he walked to them and asked the two Mages who were watching. "Hey, did I miss anything during the time I got away?" He asked as he watched his best friend expression. Midora was serious, Mikari can felt it. Although he has already known the result of this dual already, he still felt excited because he'll get to see Midora in action after a long time. Looks like I haven't missed all the fun.

---

---

"Oh no it would be a pleasure of mine. Someone of your standing dueling someone like myself, oh how you honor me. Though thank you for accept it, this truly makes my day." Ichiro said with blatant sarcasm. "Since you are accepting my challenge I would be honored if you would choose the rules and maybe we should wager a little something on it. That always makes it a little more interesting does it not?"

He has lost his sanity. Midora thought as he still keeping his usual cold expression on his face. Right now, he understands that the person who is standing in front of him right now wasn't just his student anymore - Ichiro is his opponent. And like many opponents that Midora had faced in his life, and are yet to faced, Ichiro's reason to fight is just the same: because of their pride. And Midora also knows that to bring the Mage back to his sanity and opened his eyes which had been blinded because of his own egos, he will have to beat him down.

"Just like many other who've fallen because of their pride, you'll fail. But only that shall you open your own eyes and accept the bitter reality."


"Then it is settled." Midora looked on challengingly. Ichiro acted as if there was no one around them right now, but Midora still paying attention to the area around him. This has proven a difference between someone who's always keep his head cooled and know how to use knowledge at the right time and someone who is lacking of knowledge. As they still staring at each other's gazes, a Demon peeked in. It seems that he was being late and he couldn't find a way to the main classroom.

"I'll escort him to his room." Lillane offered as she took her leave and led the Demon to where he needs to be. Midora shook his head, he can deal with that later. Right now, nothing else can prevent him from the task at hand. "I hope you don't mind this room getting a little scratched up I can't wait long enough to take it outside. Though a hole might just show itself." Ichiro said with his emotionless expression as he closed his eyes and materialized his armor. Then, two pools appeared as two blades appeared and Ichiro grabbed them as if it was nothing. So this is what his power was like.

"You better be ready because that stupid test greatly underestimates my power." Saying as his face lit up with excitement in a sinister manner. Midora just standing, crossing his arms as he let out a small sigh. Ichiro was somewhat even more irritated of this because he felt that somehow Midora was taking this on lightly.

"As much as I want to fight you right here right now, I don't want to pay all of those bills just for repairing the damages. I don't want to see this room got rampaged. So why don't we move to that duel ground over there, where nothing will be wrecked even no matter how bloody our dual is." Midora pointed towards the ground behind them, "Now, shall we?"

With that said, Midora vanished into a dark vortex and reappeared on a side of the ground. Seeing that, Ichiro smirked, "Even better." He said as he jumped and dashes to the opposite side of Midora. The Headmaster closed his eyes as he held out his arm. The whole ground shaken as a barrier appeared and surrounded the whole dual place. "A barrier, eh?" Ichiro looked around. But he couldn't see anything outside the barrier, only the mild-purple color covering the whole place, as if they've traveled into another dimension. And then again, Ichiro didn't know the reason behind it either.

"You don't know, do you?" Midora spoke up, gaining his attention, "Once the barrier of this ground has been set up, it'll totally seperated us from the world around us. Every attacks that we performed will only happened inside here. Absolutely no scratches will be inflicted to the outside. Also, we can't see anything outside of this barrier, but people from the outside can see us, no one can interrupt us. But..." Midora's voice turned more serious, "...the injury that we might get will be real. It's not too late to turn back now, so are you still insist?"

Ichiro clenched the hilt of his swords tightly. He has totally lost his conscious now. Anger is only his driver and Midora's words only make it worse. But a twisted laugh still managed to appear on his face, "After all, you're still considering I'm that weak? Now who is being arrogant right now? You speak as if you're oh-so-powerful and then you blamed me because I didn't admit that I'm weak?!" Ichiro said furiously as he pointed the tip of his blade towards Midora, "I will shut that damn mouth of yours right now. Bring it on!"

His expression is as blank as ever and none of the words that the Mage Student had said seemed to have affect him in anyway. Standing in his fighting stance, he spoke up, "Before we begin, I have something to tell you. Even if you're a student or not, I will not take you on lightly. Remember that, no matter what the outcome of this dual is, this is nowhere near my full strength."

"Enough with the lecturing already." Ichiro snapped, "I'm here to fight, not to hear your stupid speeches. You're not going to break me down! En Garde!"

With that said, Midora slowly moved his arms in a circular motion as dark aura appeared around him. After that, he widely opened his eyes and the aura spread around the area like whirlwind. Ichiro holding the swords in front of him and shielded himself. He said that this isn't his full strenght? Is he a monster or something? Ichiro thought to himself. He held down the swords and then looked at his supervisor and was a little bit surprised as the man now has a much more menacing looks on his face, totally contrast with the calm and blank look earlier. Midora's brows are now frowned, his irises became red and gain a black ring around the pupil.

"Let the dual... COMMENCE." Midora announced as a pair of black dual blades were formed in his hands. Ichiro smirked but his rage hasn't stopped, "That's what I was waiting for. Take this!" He yelled as he aimed his blades towards Midora, trying to hit him but the Dark Mage countered back quite effortlessly as the sound of swords clashing each other echoes through the whole place.

They continued their sword fight for a while longer. As Ichiro was trying his best to overcome Midora, the Headmaster looked straight into his eyes with those crimson eyeballs, which somehow intimidated him a bit, but he must not let his guard down at all cost right now. "You're being controlled by anger, you easily let your emotions to claim the best of you, that is what has blinded you..." Midora said with a serious and dark tone. He then managed to hit back and pushed Ichiro away by his blade.

Ichiro grinded his teeth, "Shut up!" Those words stung hard like bee. He couldn't get over the fact that he still needs to learn. He felt like he was being ran over and over again by a bus. Ichiro's sanity has been drowned too deep and it seems that nothing can pull him back to his conscience now.

As he jumped back, a number of golden puddles then appeared behind him as blades were pulled out from them. "You know nothing about me! You don't know how hard I have to tried just to master my own abilities, which are the easiest one to control like you said! I've tried so hard, and I can't even have a chance to be proud about it?!" His words were full of rage. He aims the blades towards Midora as barrages of blades began to flew straight to Midora's direction. But the Headmaster just stood there without moving an inch nor did he try to avoid the blades. He closed his eyes as he felt the movements of single things around him.

At the exact moment, he opened his eyes and dodged the blades like it was nothing. He managed to avoid them with great dexterity even though he was standing in the middle of the barrage. Midora then dashed high into the air as he still fixed his gaze into Ichiro's eyes, as if he was trying to reached into the deepest of his soul. While he is still mid-air, he held his hand towards Ichiro as he shot countless of dark pulses towards the Mage Student. At first, he dodged quite easily. However, as time goes on, the pulses' pace became faster which cause him have to struggle and it was hard to find a chance to counter back. "Fast, but not that fast. Like I said, when you're driven by anger, nothing will be clear in front of your eyes anymore..." Midora said with the exact tone like earlier as a pulse managed to hit Ichiro, caused him to fell back and almost hit the ground.

Using the blades as a mean to help him stand up, he winched at the sheering pain from where he got hit. His pulses even managed to hit through my armor? He thought as he frowned while trying to stand still. Midora gracefully landed on the ground and stood behind Ichiro's back. "So you think that I don't have to went through all of it? You think that this power just fell out from the sky that I don't have to do anything? It is YOU who don't know a thing about me." Midora said, there is a bit of anger in his voice, "My suffering... is beyond your imagination."

"SHUT UP!" Ichiro yelled as he held his swords, trying to hit Midora again while the Dark Mage just merely shielded as the battle keeps going on.

---

As Mikari watching the dual from the outside of the barrier along with the other two, he couldn't get more excited like he was watching a football match. But it seems that the intensity of the battle didn't affect him in the slightest. There are no other battles that were as bloody as when he faced that demon girl back then. Mikari thought to himself then turned to the two remaining students. "So, how do you feel of the dual in front of you right now? One day, I hope that you'll be able to fight like that."

---

---

Hanako could only sigh at the childish display that unfolded before her between the headmaster and her fellow mage Ichiro. The boy was absolutely sick with pride to the point of madness, in her eyes it looked much like a baby throwing a tantrum. Well, except that this baby was a mage armed with magical armor and arms that appeared from seemingly no where. With a cursory glance around the room it seemed she had been left alone to her own devices, Lilianne had left to escort a lost demon student and Mikari had taken Kasumi to the infirmary, or so she assumed. Not an auspicious start to her new school life to say the least.

Uncertain of what else to do Hanako simply observed the headmaster and Ichiro's exchange of words before they headed to the dueling arena that sat not far off. She knew the outcome already but she didn't know the extent of Ichiro's ability. And so for only the sake of sating this curiosity of hers she rolled a bit closer to observe. Despite this brief moment of interest Hanako couldn't help but feel vexed over the current situation. This was supposed to be a class for -all- of the mages, and yet they had all scattered like dust in the wind and even the headmaster seemed to be carried away in that breeze. Some moments later the other mage instructor Mikari finally returned. Feeling rather fed up with how everything had proceeded so far she was ready to give him a piece of her mind.

With an annoyed and serious expression on her face she rolled herself over to Mikari and cleared her throat to catch his attention. "Mikari-sensei was it? I have to say I am incredibly disappointed by today's exercise and lessons. This is an incredibly poor impression to be leaving upon your new students. I understand there were some circumstances with Kasumi but this is still unacceptable. Lilianne has gone off on her own, unsupervised in your absence and seemingly unnoticed by the Headmaster who's to busy participating in a childish fight than with actually instructing us or even keeping an eye on us." She crossed her arms over chest and took a deep breath in an attempt to collect herself. "I came here to learn, I left my home and family behind to come here so having my time wasted like this quite disappointing."

Hanako attempted to sound polite as possible as she ranted at the man. He and the headmaster were powerful mages and her elders, people who were deserving of great respect and Hana knew if she were caught back home speaking like this to such men she would be quickly punished. Despite this however the frustration she felt felt justified, her mind demanded to be voiced and voiced it was. "I understand neither of you are my group's teachers and I do not know if I will be having any further lessons with the two of you or not but regardless I hope you do not forget this. Your jobs are important and should be taken seriously, your duty is to -all- your students. I sincerely hope things will proceed more smoothly from here on and this will just become a silly memory rather than a habit." Hana set her hands on her lap and dipped her head down in a bow, "Finally I apologize for my rudeness in this, I know it's unacceptable to speak like this to a sensei but I felt I needed to speak up on this, I hope you understand."

As Mikari was still anticipating the intense fight, Hanako rolled up to him and spoke with a rather, displeased voice. "I have to say I am incredibly disappointed by today's exercise and lessons. This is an incredibly poor impression to be leaving upon your new students. I understand there were some circumstances with Kasumi but this is still unacceptable. Lilianne has gone off on her own, unsupervised in your absence and seemingly unnoticed by the Headmaster who's to busy participating in a childish fight than with actually instructing us or even keeping an eye on us." She crossed her arms over chest and took a deep breath in an attempt to collect herself. "I came here to learn, I left my home and family behind to come here so having my time wasted like this quite disappointing."

Then the handicapped Mage paused a bit before continued, "I understand neither of you are my group's teachers and I do not know if I will be having any further lessons with the two of you or not but regardless I hope you do not forget this. Your jobs are important and should be taken seriously, your duty is to -all- your students. I sincerely hope things will proceed more smoothly from here on and this will just become a silly memory rather than a habit." Hanako set her hands on her lap and dipped her head down in a bow, "Finally I apologize for my rudeness in this, I know it's unacceptable to speak like this to a sensei but I felt I needed to speak up on this, I hope you understand."

Hearing all those words, Mikari couldn't help but let out a sigh. Is there any more room for drama today? However, he still keeps his usual calm look and looked on at Hanako. "It seems that you've misunderstood our intentions. But listen here, you're the student, you came here to learn, you came here with a reason. Every minutes you trained under this school is not meaningless or wasted like you've said."

Mikari crossed his arms, "It's true that today was only the first day and so many things have happened. Personally, I wouldn't want all of these to happened and just focusing on the task at hand. But as you say, we're Teachers, and we need to have responsibility with our students. You're not a part of my group, but you're still a Mage Student which we'll have to look after the moments you were sent here. But if we just left important things without anyone to take care of, then who knows what would happened? We care about the students, but the Academy's sake itself is also important. If you were a Teacher like us, you will understand how it felt like. We ARE being responsible with our students, just to mind you. And none of these is childish."

He paused a bit, hopefully that his words will reach her, somehow. "Base on your profile, I understand that you came from a well-known family, you've trained your magic under their supervision and because that you're also having disadvantages so I wouldn't surprise that you'd felt that way. But we, we're the Mages that have been honing our own experience and knowledge from this world. You've been living in the safeness of your family's custody while we has to go through all hardships that life throws at us to survive, so we know how to deal with these situations. You're just a rookie, so of course, you didn't understand the way we work just yet. Although it seems that we didn't pay attention to you, we are well-aware of every movements that you made. That's what made up the Survival Kit Academy. Have you understand?"

Mikari let out a sigh, it was good to be able to speak up his mind like that, "Let me explain to you more clearly about what has happened today. You've already known that Kasumi was having some troubles. She was cursed, and if we just left her like that, she could have annihilated us even if she didn't mean to. Liliane didn't go off unnoticed like you said, and it wasn't that she was being unsupervised either. As I've said earlier, we have our own ways to check whether if our students are doing fine or not. So all of the things she did is under our supervision. And about this dual, it's also a part of Dora-sensei's session. Just by watching a dual can help you learn many things, especially if you're watching a well-trained Mage in action, whether you can fight or not. From what you said, I don't think you know how, but we can work on that. And I doubt that any of the Mages, even us, can confidently say that we never make mistakes like Ichiro."

He rubbed his shoulder a bit while cracking his own neck, "That's all I wanted to say. However, I appreciate your concerns and both me and Dora-sensei won't let anything like these happen again. We know how to do our job, we know how to be responsible so please, we don't need anyone to teach us what to do. I don't mind if after this conversation, you'd have a negative look towards us. Just simply listen to what we teach you because to do as we said is to do what we do. And I think we've already had enough drama today. Now let's focus on the them."

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"I've not lost just yet."

"I'm done playing around, I've grown bored of this duel I'll be ending it now." Ichiro said giving Midora a look of dissatisfaction all while doing his best to suppress the pain. Ichiro launched himself repeated one after another striking at Midora, but with no avail. "You aren't thinking logically. That will lead you to making a mistake and be your downfall here." Midora said looking Ichiro dead in the eyes.

"I'm done with your words keep them to yourself and choke on my blades." Ichiro yelled back. Though he had a few other tricks up his sleeve hurling both swords forwards at Midora. Without even blinking Midora stood perfectly still as both blades flew by without even coming close to making contact. A new pool formed next to Ichiro this time though he drew out a Scythe instead of longswords. Even so he attacked again and again with each strike being swung with only anger behind it giving the same result.

One after another with every failed strike he would toss aside the current weapon and switch to a new one. Claymores, rapiers, sabers, yari, halberds, pikes, tridents, lances, any and every kind of blade weapon out there from any and all nationalities. Each one failing just as much as the last."Changing weapons matters not if you put no thought into your swings and only ever attack with anger." Midora said to Ichiro while evading attack after attack.

Just as Midora finished his sentence Ichiro paused for a moment before lunging after Midora again just like he always did before, but this time right when their blades clashed multiple golden pools formed next to Ichiro just feet away from Midora. Before anyone could even blink five halberds launched out one from each pool faster than almost any projectile out there. No one should have been able to dodge it, but Midora's arms instinctively raised with each sword scrapping two halberds each altering the course just enough so that they wouldn't hit. With the last halberd inch's away from his chest just as it seemed he would finally land a hit Midora launched himself backwards with a burst of speed that left Ichiro in shock. "Better, but you still need to do something about that anger." Midora said with a serious tone. Ichiro realized nothing he could do would work and even while he wasn't really in control the rage was covered by astonishment."What am I doing....it's over I'm finished."

Ichiro's expression became emotionless no more grin or intense look. His eyes became glazed and cold and his mind stopped leaving only one command, to fight. Ichiro body moved without purpose following a cycle of strike, strike, launch projectile, strike. "He's finally given up. It's time for this dual to meet its end."With Ichiro in silence and mentally exhausted Midora didn't deflect his next strike instead meeting Ichiro's blades with a dead stop.

As they stood there each blade crossing each other pushing against the other. Midora let go of the sword in his right hand, with the force no longer there to hold Ichiro's sword back it descended upon Midora. Though as he let go of his sword Midora extended the free hand towards Ichiro's chest placing his hand against the breastplate and letting go a dark pulse on contact before Ichiro could make contact with his sword. At this range it was greatly more effective than the one he took from a distance.


The force sent Ichiro flying backwards and shattered the armor where Midora had placed his hand. The rest of his chest armor was left with cracks rippling throughout its entirety. Ichiro laid there his body no longer responding to the commands given to it by the brain to attack. Every inch of him ached with a considerable amount of pain, Midora started to approach examining Ichiro seeing if he had enough. Once he got close enough he could see Ichiro's face and found his answer.

His eyes had returned to normal and he had coughed up a small amount of blood. Though he was smiling as his armor faded braking apart turning back into golden particles leaving Ichiro in his casual attire again though with some slight changes. Unable to maintain the needed energy to keep his clothes formed and considering he always conjured his clothes the only real physical clothes were his boxers. With that his clothes dissipate along with his armor leaving him in his underwear.

"Guess that means it's over huh. I had hoped to at least land a single blow, but I guess that will have to come later." Saying while letting out a slight laugh though it was obvious it pained him to do so. "I'll accept my defeat for now and move forward without causing problems. I'll accept your words now, but only until I return the beating you gave me." Ichiro said in a calm fashion. It seemed he had returned to a natural state of mind. Replacing the world of rage he had built with that of one made on a promise to himself to practice and get strong enough to make the headmaster fight for real one day. Though while the hit and end of the duel had reset him in a way bringing him back to his senses as well as knocking some sense into him. Their was still a part of him that was broken and unable to be fixed so easily.

Slowly he rolled over onto his chest working his ways onto his knees letting out a grunt before getting back onto his feet though still clearly tipsy. "I guess we should return to class I'v taken up quite of bit of time without even realizing it seems." Saying before he dropped the smile and taking on a serious expression in preparation for his next words. "Just remember one day I'll pay you back for this embarrassment." Though as he finished his smile returned. "That's behind us for now though. Wasn't that a lot of fun I could have enjoyed it a bit more though, but it was quite entertaining either way. I'm sure I'll never be bored again while I'm here which is comforting in it's own ways for myself. Can't wait to see what you'll teach us, but thank you for today's lesson I won't forget it." Saying with a smile before raising his hand in a question manner. "First question....how do we get out?"

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Liliane thought about her reunion with Hive. She definitely didn't expect to see him in such a place. The coincidence was too much. And then she blurted out an insult to him instead of a greeting. She didn't mean to come as rude but it happened. She would see if he would accept her apology if he met her at lunch. If not then she would issue an apology later. Having negative energy between herself and Hive was not good.

Liliane thought of the words he gave her a couple of years ago when she was still being perfected as a soldier. It wasn't long after their conversation that the facility was suddenly shut down. It was shortly after that Liliane heard of Ervin's own death as well. It was the first and only time she felt true anger and despair. There was no one left to look after her and her purpose that was in the pursuit of progress since she could remember was gone in an instant. Her life meant nothing. That was until she remembered Hive's words. "Chaos." She still had a dangerous artificial power that was the focus of her being an effective weapon.

Lili looked at her left hand. To put it simply; she was a killer. She became a killer in her pursuit to gain more knowledge and become a powerful mage. So powerful to the point that a person like Ervin was nothing to her. She soon started hunting other mages. Using her ability to steal and kill in two immediate steps. She would take their ability and in return offer them death in the next instant. None of them stood a chance against her. She was trained for this specific task. It was the reason her telekinesis was worked so hard on. The instant Liliane had sight of one of her targets she would pin them against the wall. They would stay there, helpless and pathetic. Begging for their life. Lili wished she could shut their mouths. That way she didn't have to hear their screams as she robbed their head of its knowledge and then turn their insides to ash. She then would use her explosive power to get rid of the evidence. Complete disintegration. There was nothing left. Even if she was abandoned as a project she was still almost at completion anyway. Her powers worked well in sync with each other.

The only thing she wasn't taught was how to access those powers. This is what angered her but there was the wisdom of how to use those abilities and also how to face them if another were to oppose her sharing similar power. Liliane knew the abilities lay dormant inside her. That was the reason why she was here at this academy. It was to learn how to access them. If any place would know how to torrent abilities that lay dormant it was this place. The thought of obtaining the students abilities would constantly be a thought eating away at her. The rationalization that there were many powerful beings here as well as the risk of doing something right after arriving would be too much in the realms of idiocy. Also the fact that she already knew the people here. There was a connection and that would damage her mental state too much to kill them for her gain. She actually had people to interact and speak with for the first time in her life.

Liliane wondered if it was a mistake or not to tell Hive what effect his words had on her. Would he tell the others? Warn them? Would he smile that wicked grin, showing all his sharpened teeth, and approve? Maybe even be proud? She would have to wait and see if she would tell him or if she kept it to herself. And what did he mean when he talked about there being a connection between Etelka and Ervin. Lili would take Hive's advice and speak to the demon girl as well. Liliane had to know what the person she had looked up to for years was like.

For now it was on to class to see what her teachers had on the agenda. As she reached the class, Liliane remembered there was a fight but upon opening the doors it seemed to already be over. Or rather it had just ended. Ichiro was barely picking himself up and then noticed he was only in his underwear. Lili covered her eyes.

"May I suggest Ichiro cover himself. There are two females in his presence."

Winter Story - Eric Chiryoku

When he casts the pulse, he has to make sure that he'd put just enough forces to cause enough pain but not causing severely damages to Ichiro. After the Mage Student was beaten down, his armor shattered and after a while, all was left on his body was only some cloth and his underwear. Serves you right. Midora thought as he observed Ichiro winched in pain. He wants him to remember this pain, not only from the outside but also on the inside. This is just a small taste from what I've been through my whole life. One day, you will understand that the pain today make a fighter stand strong tomorrow.

"Guess that means it's over huh. I had hoped to at least land a single blow, but I guess that will have to come later." Saying while letting out a slight laugh though it was obvious it pained him to do so. "I'll accept my defeat for now and move forward without causing problems. I'll accept your words now, but only until I return the beating you gave me." Ichiro said in a calm fashion. It seemed he had returned to a natural state of mind.

"Looks like I did beat you up sensible, didn't I?" Midora said as he closed his eyes and release himself from the semi-berserk state earlier as dark aura fused into him. When he opened his eyes again, his eyes returned to its normal blackness and his expression right now is just as normal as before the fight began. Although he was facing someone with who is far under his power even not at his full strength, he had to admitted this fight was a really good warm-up for him and it's been a long time since he was interested in a fight like that. But more than that, he wasn't sure if there was something that has caught Midora's interests from Ichiro. It reminds him of a memory from the past, but it was painful, it was the reason why he isolated himself from the whole word.

"Midora-san..."

Midora widen his eyes as an image of someone suddenly ran through his mind like a flash. But before Ichiro caught that expression of him, he knocked it off his mind and still keeping his blank expression. As Ichiro struggled to stand up, he spoke up, "I guess we should return to class I've taken up quite of bit of time without even realizing it seems." Saying before he dropped the smile and taking on a serious expression in preparation for his next words. "Just remember one day I'll pay you back for this embarrassment." Though as he finished his smile returned. "That's behind us for now though. Wasn't that a lot of fun I could have enjoyed it a bit more though, but it was quite entertaining either way. I'm sure I'll never be bored again while I'm here which is comforting in it's own ways for myself. Can't wait to see what you'll teach us, but thank you for today's lesson I won't forget it."

He brushed off the dust on his robe then turned to Ichiro, "It'd take you more than a millennium if you want to beat me at my full strength." He said bluntly.

"First question....how do we get out?" Ichiro raised his arm and asked.

Midora let out a sigh, "Didn't I said before we start? We're just simply be surrounded by a strong barrier, that's all. But first..." He said as he swung his right arm as some strings made from Dark Matter were formed. As they surrounded Ichiro, they reformed his clothes. After some while, he was wearing the same clothes like before they fought, "There are still two ladies standing out there. I know that they've seen you pretty much don't have anything to cover yourself. You don't want to get beaten another time, do you?"

When all is done, Midora clapped his hands as the barrier surrounded them disappeared and both of them can now see the training room again. And it seems like the other three were looking at them intently. Midora just shook his head and walked away from the dual ground and stood next to Mikari.

"Dora-chin~", the blue-haired Mage clinged to Midora while grinning like a child, "that was awesome, it has been so long since the last time I saw you fight like that. I'm your greatest fan, you know?"

Midora sighed, he knew his friend will react like this. He gently pushed Mikari away, "Now, what did I tell you earlier? Even if I wouldn't mind but that didn't mean you can do it all the time. They were looking at you." Midora coldly said as he gave him a glare. He knows he acted coldly even towards with Mikari, he still felt somewhat grateful of him because they've went through all hardships in their lives. Without him, he didn't know if he could even standing here.

"Oh, right. My apology." Mikari straighthen himself up then cleared his throat, "Okay, now back with our lesson." Mikari flicked off as four small-size vortexes appeared beneath the students and four books fell from them. The books' cover looked like a grimoire.

"These are our text books that we will use to study from now on." Midora said, "in here, you will everything you needed to know to become a well-trained Mage. There will be spells ranging from basic to advance, advices to help you honing your own abilities, history of magic, etc. From now on, on every Mage sessions, you'll be learning from this book. But outside from what we teach during the sessions, you will have to practice on your own."

Mikari checked the time then looked up, "Well, it seems that lunch break is almost here so we will practice something basic first. And I believe that all of you should be able to do it." He said as he turned his back to the pillars. As he held out his arm, it shone a light-purple sheen. After that, all the pillars were levitated on the air. And he seemed to do that quite effortlessly despite their size.

"Telekinesis is an Air-element based ability. Along with minor healing, this is an ability that every Mages are required to master. I assume that you all know how to control it already so there are no reason for us to lecture again." Midora then turned to his collegue, "Mii?"

Mikari nodded as he closed his eye and swung his arm as all the pillars shrunk from their gigantic size into different sizes. After that, he showed each of the students their own pillar. "I've shrunk them into sizes that are suitable for each of the Mages' strength here and we will expect you to be able to levitate them for at least 10 minutes. Now let us begin."

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Midora gave Ichiro clothes so Liliane was finally able to take her hands down from her eyes. Shortly after four books dropped in front of her. Midora continued to explain that they would be the students' textbooks to learn and study from. Liliane wondered if she had already read these particular books already when she was in training. Mikari then stepped forward shrinking the pillars from the earlier demonstration.

"I've shrunk them into sizes that are suitable for each of the Mages' strength here and we will expect you to be able to levitate them for at least 10 minutes. Now let us begin." Mikari spoke as each student received their own pillar. Liliane noticed that hers and Hanako's were slightly larger than Ichiro's and she wondered if the boy would throw a fit again. Seeing that he was yet again behind in his ability to manipulate magic to his will. Lili mentally laughed. This exercise would be nothing to her at all. Telekinesis was her strongest ability. It's the one she trained with the most.

Liliane sat down and crossed her legs. She took control of her pillar and opened up one of her books received by the instructor. The pillar was heavier than it looked but no where near heavier than what Lili had lifted before. She was about to start reading her book when Kasumi returned. Without even missing a beat the instructors got to catching her up on the current exercise.

Ten minutes? Liliane could keep the object afloat until she went to sleep. She wished there was a way to skip directly to learning how to access new abilities. Midora had said they would learn new spells and understanding. Lili just hoped it was something new she could use.

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Hanako simply closed her eyes and resisted the urge to sigh at Mikari-sensei's long-winded explanation. He talked of hardships as if Hanako had never suffered any under the Minami household. Truly, this irritated the crippled girl somewhere deep down in her core, in an ugly part of her heart that made her want to lash out at the man for his words. But, Hanako was a more measured person than that and so she simply pushed those feelings away for the moment. She wasn't particularly satisfied but he had at least heard her out and actually listened to what she had to say, for now that would have to be enough. It wasn't much longer afterward that the duel between Ichiro and the headmaster had come to its inevitable close. If one positive thing came from the whole ordeal it was that Ichiro seemed to have mellowed out some after his beating, Hana just hoped he wouldn't have anymore outbursts disturbing class for the rest of the day. As Mikari-sensei ran off to embrace the headmaster Hanako could only sigh, what was cute before began to seem simply unprofessional. Luckily Midora-sensei knew this and quickly set the group back on task.

As the text book appeared before and her gracefully fell onto her lap she quickly scanned over the title. It was a familiar one, one she had read front to back several years ago. She had never mastered everything presented in the book but she was familiar with all the concepts and had a grasp of many of the spells contained within. For their second practical task of the day they were to levitate the miniaturized pillars from before for 10 minutes. Hanako raised a brow but shrugged, a relatively simple task, 10 minutes would be nothing for the girl.

With a moment to straighten her posture she concentrated on the pillar for a moment and lifted it up into the air. Levitation was something she commonly practiced back at home. When she was bored or needed to focus herself she'd simply find some nearby object and levitate it, she found it to be a nice warm-up. In truth she was a bit disappointed by the rather basic level of their training thus far, she had expected much more but it couldn't be helped she supposed. For now she was just glad to have class progress in any meaningful fashion compared to before. After becoming settled in with the object she found her focus wandering along with her gaze towards the other mages. Lili seemed to be having an easy time with it as well and Kasumi had just wandered back into the room looking quite fine. Mikari had mentioned a curse but little more, either way she simply hoped the girl wouldn't have a repeat of what happened earlier.

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"There are still two ladies standing out there. I know that they've seen you pretty much don't have anything to cover yourself. You don't want to get beaten another time, do you?" Looking around realizing that others could see inside of the barrier. It was a face palm moment for sure knowing that others had been watching them more specifically himself lose control and get demolished in the duel. Though it wouldn't be the first time he got hit by girls for wearing a lack of clothes in certain situations and it bothered him not, but right now he could do with a little less shame not to mention whatever kind of clothes Midora made were extremely comfortable.

A book dropped and Ichiro grabbed it with his right hand though a quick cracking sound came from that shoulder. As he looked over the book he massaged his shoulder still feeling quite sore from the encounter. Midora explained the text books and it seemed fairly interesting. Using it meant that he could learn new tricks to add to his current pool of power. Practice wouldn't be a problem for him either as Ichiro loved to try new things and practice. The issue came from spending the time to read things over and understand them that always seemed to be the hardest part for him. The words and meanings would always get jumbled up for him and he could never understand what they were trying to say or the point of all of it, frustrating him to no end. The one thing he never tried before was getting a tutor, but who knows how that would work out with him.

"Telekinesis is an Air-element based ability. Along with minor healing, this is an ability that every Mages are required to master. I assume that you all know how to control it already so there are no reason for us to lecture again." Ichiro gave a little sigh of relief. It was nice they were starting off with something he was more familiar with or today would just get even more embarrassing. Telekinesis was also something he was slightly accustomed to though in a modified way. The process of firing his blades once conjured required him to be proficient with telekinesis in the idea of point and fire. With that in mind, point and fire was probably the limit to his control over telekinesis. He was extremely precise and could fire with an immense amount of force, but holding something steady or moving it around on command fluidly was the problem.

Ichiro approached his pillar and started to levitate it. Keeping it up for ten minutes was nothing stamina was not a problem. Keeping it still and not flying across the room was though. "If only the task was to launch it like a cannon." He said to himself as his head tilted left and right with the pillar as it slowly slid back and forth while he tried to keep it steady. It took a bit of time, and after the pillar slid around up, down, left, and right he started to get the hang of it finally. With that he was able to keep it from touching the floor. As he looked around it seemed the others were already skilled in the process, but that took no glory away from his self pride as he smirked to himself over completing the challenge.