:
***
"I still think this is a terrible idea," Garrett muttered as they walked toward the Academy's combat training grounds.
"It's a mandatory class," Leo-Raelian pointed out. "We don't really have a choice."
"Basic Combat Applications," Garrett read from his schedule with visible distaste. "Why do we need to learn how to fight? We're here to study magic, not become mercenaries."
"Because magical accidents happen," Marcus said cheerfully, joining them on the path. "Plus, some magical techniques are inherently combative. Better to learn proper control in a safe environment than figure it out during an emergency."
The training grounds were located behind the main Academy buildings, consisting of several large courtyards with protective barriers and what appeared to be enchanted training equipment. Students were already gathering in groups, some looking excited, others appearing as reluctant as Garrett.
"At least it's taught by Professor Blackthorne," Elena commented, appearing with Helena. "She's got actual field experience, not just theoretical knowledge."
Leo-Raelian looked around for their instructor and spotted a woman he hadn't seen before. Professor Blackthorne was younger than most Academy professors, probably in her early thirties, with short brown hair and the kind of practical clothing that suggested she didn't care about looking professorial. More importantly, she moved with the fluid confidence of someone who'd been in actual fights.
"Good morning," Professor Blackthorne called out, her voice carrying easily across the training ground. "I'm Professor Blackthorne, and this is Basic Combat Applications. Before anyone asks - yes, this class is mandatory, and no, you cannot substitute theoretical study for practical training."
She gestured to the training equipment around them. "Combat magic is different from academic magic. It requires split-second decisions, precise control under pressure, and the ability to adapt when things go wrong. Which they will."
"Now then," she continued, "we'll start with basic assessment. I need to understand your current skill levels before we begin formal training. Partner up - one person attacks with basic offensive magic, the other defends. Switch after two minutes."
Students began pairing off, and Leo-Raelian found himself partnered with Marcus while Garrett worked with Elena and Helena paired with a student he didn't recognize.
"You want to attack or defend first?" Marcus asked.
"I'll defend first," Leo-Raelian decided. Better to observe how others were performing before revealing his own capabilities.
Marcus took a stance a few feet away and began channeling magical energy into what looked like a basic force bolt - the kind of simple attack spell most first-year students learned early. It was properly formed and reasonably powerful for a beginner.
Leo-Raelian created a basic barrier shield, the magical equivalent of holding up a wooden board. Marcus's force bolt hit the barrier and dissipated harmlessly.
"Nice control," Marcus said approvingly. "Your turn to attack."
Leo-Raelian switched to offense, forming his own force bolt. He kept it simple and straightforward - no need to show off during a basic assessment.
Their practice continued smoothly until a commotion from across the training ground drew everyone's attention.
"I said defend yourself properly!" Victor Blackstone's voice carried clearly across the courtyard. "Are you even trying?"
His practice partner - a smaller student Leo-Raelian recognized as David Chen, one of the scholarship students - was struggling to maintain a defensive barrier against Victor's increasingly aggressive attacks.
"Victor," Professor Blackthorne's voice cut through the noise, "this is an assessment, not a duel. Moderate your intensity."
"I'm just trying to provide realistic practice conditions," Victor replied smoothly. "In actual combat, enemies won't hold back just because you're not ready."
He launched another force bolt, this one significantly more powerful than what first-year students should be using. David's barrier cracked under the impact, and he stumbled backward.
"That's enough," Professor Blackthorne said sharply, but Victor was already preparing another attack.
*He's going to seriously hurt David,* Leo-Raelian realized. *And probably claim it was an accident.*
Without thinking, Leo-Raelian stepped forward and created a barrier between Victor and David. Victor's attack hit Leo-Raelian's shield instead, which held firm despite the unexpected power behind the spell.
"Oops," Victor said with fake concern. "I didn't see you there, Voros. Hope I didn't startle you."
"No harm done," Leo-Raelian replied evenly. "Though you might want to work on your aim. That attack was way off target."
A few students snickered at the implication that Victor couldn't hit what he was aiming for. Victor's expression darkened.
"Perhaps we should practice together," Victor suggested, his tone deceptively pleasant. "I'd hate for you to think I lack proper control."
*Great. Now he's going to try to prove a point by beating me up in front of everyone.*
"That sounds educational," Leo-Raelian agreed, because backing down would only make Victor more aggressive later.
Professor Blackthorne looked between them with the expression of someone who recognized brewing trouble but decided to let it play out under controlled conditions.
"Very well. Standard practice duel rules - basic offensive and defensive magic only, no advanced techniques, stop when someone yields or I call a halt." She created a larger practice circle with enhanced barriers. "Everyone else, observe and learn."
Leo-Raelian and Victor faced each other across the practice circle. Victor was clearly confident in his abilities - he had the stance and energy control of someone who'd received excellent private training.
*The problem is, I don't actually know how good I am at combat magic. I've been focusing on hiding my abilities, not developing them.*
"Begin," Professor Blackthorne announced.
Victor immediately launched a series of force bolts in rapid succession - a classic overwhelming attack strategy. Leo-Raelian created barriers to deflect them while trying to get a feel for the combat rhythm.
*Okay, his attacks are strong but predictable. He's used to opponents who can't match his power, so he relies on brute force rather than finesse.*
Leo-Raelian shifted tactics, using smaller, more mobile barriers to redirect Victor's attacks rather than just blocking them. One force bolt deflected off his shield and nearly hit Victor himself, forcing the other student to dodge awkwardly.
"Stop running away and fight properly!" Victor snarled, channeling more power into his next attack.
This time, Leo-Raelian went on the offensive. Instead of a simple force bolt, he created what looked like three simultaneous attacks from different angles - a technique he improvised by splitting his magical energy into multiple streams.
Victor managed to block two of them, but the third clipped his shoulder and spun him around. He recovered quickly, but his confident expression had been replaced by something more focused.
*Good. Now he's taking me seriously instead of just trying to show off.*
The duel continued for several more exchanges, with both students demonstrating increasingly sophisticated techniques. Leo-Raelian found himself enjoying the challenge - combat magic required a different kind of thinking than theoretical study, more intuitive and reactive.
Victor, meanwhile, was becoming increasingly frustrated as his straightforward power-based approach failed to overwhelm Leo-Raelian's more adaptive style.
"Enough," Professor Blackthorne called as Victor began channeling what looked like a more advanced spell. "Well done, both of you."
Victor looked like he wanted to argue, but even he wouldn't openly defy a professor.
"Interesting demonstration," Professor Blackthorne continued, addressing the class. "Notice how Mr. Voros adapted his defensive strategy based on his opponent's attack patterns, while Mr. Blackstone relied primarily on overwhelming force. Both approaches have merit, but adaptability tends to be more effective against varied opponents."
Victor's jaw tightened at the implicit criticism, but he nodded stiffly and returned to his original practice partner.
"That was impressive," Marcus said quietly as they resumed their own practice. "Where did you learn that multi-directional attack technique?"
"I... honestly, I'm not sure," Leo-Raelian replied, which was mostly true. "It just seemed like the logical way to get around his defenses."
**DING!**
╔══════════════════════════════════╗
║ COMBAT ANALYSIS ║
╠══════════════════════════════════╣
║ First Combat Engagement: Complete ║
║ ║
║ New Skills Acquired: ║
║ - Basic Combat Magic (Novice) ║
║ - Adaptive Defense (Novice) ║
║ - Multi-Stream Casting (Novice) ║
║ ║
║ Combat Assessment: ║
║ Natural talent + strategic thinking ║
║ = Effective fighting style ║
║ ║
║ Growth Points: +6 ║
║ Total: 15/100 ║
║ ║
║ WARNING: Combat display attracted ║
║ additional attention ║
╚══════════════════════════════════╝
*Six growth points for one practice duel. The system really rewards practical application.*
As the class continued, Leo-Raelian noticed that other students were now watching him more carefully during their practice sessions. His performance against Victor had definitely made an impression.
After class, as they walked back toward the main Academy buildings, Helena fell into step beside him.
"Nicely handled," she said approvingly. "Victor needed to be taken down a peg, and you managed it without making him lose face completely."
"I wasn't trying to humiliate him. Just stop him from seriously hurting David."
"I know. Which is why your approach was perfect. You defended someone weaker without turning it into a personal vendetta." Helena paused thoughtfully. "Though you should be prepared for Victor to hold a grudge. He doesn't like being shown up, especially by someone he considers beneath his social station."
"Great. Another complication to worry about."
"On the positive side, Professor Blackthorne was clearly impressed. Combat instructors value students who can think tactically under pressure."
That evening, as the study group gathered for their regular session, Elena immediately brought up the training ground incident.
"So, Raelian," she said with a grin, "apparently you're some kind of combat magic prodigy now?"
"It was just a practice duel," Leo-Raelian protested. "Nothing that impressive."
"You improvised a multi-stream attack technique on the spot," Marcus pointed out. "That's pretty impressive for someone who supposedly lacks formal magical combat training."
"Plus you made Victor look like an overpowered amateur," Garrett added cheerfully. "Which was deeply satisfying to watch."
Helena looked thoughtful. "The timing was fortunate. David Chen's family situation is... complicated. Having you step in to protect him will be remembered favorably by certain people."
"What kind of complicated?" Leo-Raelian asked.
"His father works in provincial Church administration. Recent political developments have made that a somewhat precarious position."
*Church politics again. Everything seems to come back to that.*
"Anyway," Elena said, switching topics, "tonight we're reviewing Professor Sterling's latest mathematics lecture. Something about calculating optimal magical energy ratios for sustained spellcasting."
As they dove into their studies, Leo-Raelian reflected on how quickly his Academy experience was becoming complex. Academic challenges, social dynamics, combat training, and now political undercurrents involving Church administration.
*At least I'm making friends and building useful skills. Whatever complications are coming, I'll be better prepared for them than the original Raelian would have been.*
Outside the study room windows, the Academy's towers glowed softly in the evening light, and Leo-Raelian settled in for another productive session of learning with people he was genuinely starting to care about.
*Growth through effort,* he reminded himself. *And apparently through defending people who need it.*
Not a bad day's work.