《The Celestial Blade》 Prologue Sahiel woke to the burning sensation of overwhelming mana within her. Her body trembled as she reached for her pregnant belly with her left hand and violently nudged her partner with her right. ¡°Enatel,wake up, something is wrong with our baby! Wake up now!.¡± She said with a tremulous voice. ¡°Eh, what? Wrong what?¡± half asleep, the man replied. ¡°I¡¯m feeling an incredible amount of mana from our baby dear. I should be feeling this heat in my head, not from his body, this is not normal.¡± ¡°What do you mean mana from our baby? How is that even possible?¡± ¡°That''s what I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯m feeling more mana from within my belly than anything I¡¯ve ever felt before. Come touch, it''s burning!¡± The man touched his wife¡¯s belly and his eyes opened in surprise. He took his head to where his hand was and closed his eyes.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Sahiel... I can''t feel any heat nor mana here! This is... impossible... Sah, it''s the Origin, amazing quantities of it!¡± He said opening his eyes and leveling his head with his wife. Sahiel was bewildered at her husband¡¯s statement about feeling the Origin of life. She relaxed a bit as the pain subsided, and expression of understanding swept her face. Their child seemed able to do the impossible. Enatel¡¯s face lit as he noticed the aura that came from his child, his son to him had inherited his gift. Sahiel trembled at the overwhelming mana being channeled from The Moonwell. Since the beginning of time, those who could use either of these two abilities have been ruling the world from the top seats of power. The mana from the Moonwell was used by Mages to alter reality through magic but they could not use the power from the Origin of life. The same was true for Military Artists who could garner the essence of Origin to perform incredible feats of strength. If one opened the Gate of Origin the access to the Moonwell would close forever. Yet both frightening powers coexisted peacefully inside the unborn baby. The couple stared at each other for what felt like an eternity with their mouths agape, thinking what kind of fate would the future bring to their child. ¡°We must keep this to ourselves En, who knows what could happen to our son if this gets out..." Sahiel grabbed her husband¡¯s hands, furrowing her eyebrows, as she whispered into his ear. Ch 1 - The one with the Sword Saint Ch 1 - The one with the Sword Saint Yawning and forcing his eyes to remain open he stretched his arms to stay awake. Many students ran towards the main road that leads to the central square Plaza while others were already lunching in the gardens that surrounded it. He arrived early today at Faraday University to avoid parading alongside his father, the Sword Saint. Irhamel knew that six months ago, his father had requested an audience with the king of the Achoirhiel Kingdom to discuss matters pertaining his late enrollment in the University. Due to this, his father had taken on a teaching position in the military arts course. He rested his back against the trunk of a large tree that he had climbed, and there he waited on the sidelines for his family to arrive. He tried to relieve some pressure from his buttocks by readjusting his hips on the branch. After waiting for so long Irhamel was feeling hungry, he wanted his parents to get here already. The alluring smell of rice, pork and potato flew through the air into his nose almost disrupting his balance. When he looked down one group of students was right in below his branch, sharing food and drinks, smiling and speaking about his dad. Away from the crowd, a delicate-looking blonde boy waved his fork. Across from him, an attractive yet noisy girl with red curly hair laughed. To her right with her back to him, a modestly dressed girl with black hair helped a shy girl with bright orange hair and beautiful amber eyes cover her plate from the boy¡¯s fork. He discreetly peeked at a girl that caught his eye, he remembered that face from four years ago, now she had turned into a real beauty. The girl who for a while now was meekly stealing glances at him turned to be someone he knew. ¡°So the Sword Saint will arrive today right?¡± The boy asked. ¡°Yes, he should be about to arrive with his family¡± The black haired girl answered. ¡°What I¡¯d like to know is if his wife will be a teacher too or not,¡± Said the red-haired girl. ¡°Y..Yeah, I wonder A..About that too¡± Added the girl with bright orange hair stuttering. ¡°Oh by the gods, why does Curnow always find us when we are having fun?¡± The blonde boy said, sighing and rolling his eyes as he spotted a small group of boys getting close. Irhamel, having listened to Blondie took notice of the group of three approaching from the crowd. The boy in the lead had short dark brown hair, a handsome face and was built well enough to show it through his expensive wardrobe. ¡°Good afternoon my lady Lunet, how has been your week? It¡¯s been four since your entrance, are you enjoying your days in the University?¡± The new boy asked looking straight at Lunet, the orange haired girl lowered her head. ¡°Good afternoon Sir Curnow, care to sit here with us?¡± The girl with black hair said, offering a spot close to lunet to the new arrival. ¡°Shut up you filthy peasant, don''t you dare interrupt me when I¡¯m talking with Lady Lunet¡± Sir Curnow shouted and rose his right arm as he clenched his hand into a fist. #---------------- -A little earlier that day- ¡°So, Irhamel is already there? You sure En?¡± Sahiel tilted her head a little asking her husband. ¡°Yes, that prick son of ours went ahead saying -I don''t want to join your glorious parade of appointment- and left four hours earlier than us.¡± Enatel frowned and shook his head as he replied. ¡°En...! Don''t talk like that in front of Neruniel! She absorbs everything she hears rather quickly!¡± Sahiel nudged Enatel with her elbow, she had a smirk plastered on her beautiful face. ¡°He just wanted to go eye the ladies without the attention that we would bring him, he¡¯s at that age!¡± Enatel jokingly nudged back at his wife with his shoulder. ¡°He is not like you, you know? Hush now¡± Sahiel shook her head dismissing her husband¡¯s comment covering Neruniel¡¯s ears with her hands. ¡°Mama, Papa, where is Irha? What is this place? I¡¯m hungry!¡± With a cute voice and a saddened face, the little girl that looked just like her mother spoke and pointed her tiny hand ahead of them. ¡°We are here my angel, your brother is waiting in there. How about we go and find him?¡± With a loving face, Enatel turned his head towards the little girl and pointed at the huge doorway in front. As the couple approached the entrance of the university two young military artists hurriedly approached the cart. ¡°Welcome to Faraday University Sword Saint Enatel Stingryn, good afternoon. The headmaster asked us each to take your belongings to your new lodgings and escort you to his office.¡± One of the two men said extending his arm towards the entrance, while the other asked for the rains of the cart.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. The family walked towards the guardhouse after turning the cart over, showed their magic passes and followed the guide through the main gate. When they walked in, the chatter started to wane in proportion to the number of eyes that fell upon them, what remained were some gasps and few words of surprise -It''s the Sword Saint- Look the Golden Lathai- Such a cute little girl- I want to be his apprentice- here and there from the huge crowd surrounding the main road. From within Enatel¡¯s hood, his blue eyes scanned the adjoining gardens. Finding something over a thicket of trees not far in the distance, he barely nodded and resumed looking around only to stop his search at the sight of the Headmaster. The old man was waiting in the Square plaza a couple of meters away from him. ¡°Welcome to Faraday University, Sword Saint Enatel Stingryn, Golden Lathai Sahiel Stingryn, how were your travels?¡± The old man asked with a relaxed expression and calming voice extending his right hand towards the Sword Saint. The audience was captivated by his strong voice and appearance. He was a white man of large stature, long silver hair, and heavily toned body. Adorning his handsome face was a pair of pale blue eyes. ¡°Honoring the agreement with his highness the king Gervase Elsteag Achoirhiel, I Enatel Stingryn have arrived,¡± Enatel said with a solemn voice, raising his head and straightening his back he clasped the hand that was extended to him. #---------------- Irhamel accepted the slight nod his father gave him and analyzed the situation he was in, he could go to his family and join his dad¡¯s parade, gain attention doing an entirely different thing... -Let''s defend the girl in front of me.- he thought. Happy with his choice he nodded and dropped down from the branch, nimbly landing just between the girl with black hair and the boy who had just arrived and was about to attack her. ¡°Hey hey ¡®sir¡¯, please excuse my rudeness but could you please stop it here? Beating a girl out of unfounded spite is beyond petty, isn''t it unbecoming for a ¡®lord¡¯ to act in such a way?¡± Irhamel said. He grabbed Sir Curnow¡¯s arm by the wrist so tight that the boy squealed in pain. ¡°Unhand me you truant, who are you to interfere with my dealings? Do you know who am I?¡± Sir Curnow said. His body trembled as he failed miserably to free himself from Irhamel¡¯s grasp, his eyes were peeled and his mouth was agape. He couldn''t believe this kid had enough strength to pin him down by the wrist. ¡°I don''t know, so please excuse me for intruding but, isn''t it plain wrong for a man to try to beat a girl and in such a crowded place no less?¡± Irhamel said. He lightly clenched his hand to keep hold of the wrist, resisting with ease sir Curnow¡¯s effort to free himself again. Irhamel shrugged his shoulders and rose his brows when he asked. Soon enough the crowd around them started shooting comments about the scene. ¡®The prince seems to have lost his cool¡¯ ¡®Who is this kid? he¡¯s got guts¡¯ ¡®Raising his hand to a woman, the royal family of Vaesta sure is hot blooded¡¯ ¡®Not only guts but strength. The prince cannot free himself¡¯ ¡®Peasant he said, did you hear? He called her peasant¡¯ ¡®Subdued by a boy fresh of his mom¡¯s chest, that Prince is really pitiful¡¯ So this is one of the princes of Vaesta, I see.- He came to the realization after a thought. He knew that the Vaestans were prideful people who openly discriminated against those of lower social status, no wonder his attitude was so high-handed. ¡°Thank you, young sir, for defending me but could you please let him go? I rather not let this get out of hand and have more eyes fall upon us¡± The girl with black hair said. With eyes wide open he quickly turned to look at the girl, her head was tilted flashing a smile and nodded. Accepting the girl¡¯s request he brought Curnow¡¯s arm down with little resistance and let go of the wrist. ¡°I am no sir miss, I was just in the vicinity and couldn¡¯t hold myself back, a man raising his hand to a woman is one of the most shameful and despicable acts that can be committed, no matter his status, a man should never act violently towards a lady,¡± Irhamel said, he removed the hood of his cloak revealing his smiling face to the girl. Girls gasped at what was shown from inside the cloak, an extremely handsome face covered by long silver hair and shining golden eyes. ¡°I am the third prince of the Vaesta Empire, Huon Curnow Vaesta; touching a member of the empire¡¯s royalty so nonchalantly is grounds for punishment.¡± Huon Curnow said. Disbelief plastered all over his face, he looked at the white-haired boy and proudly told him his name and stature. But we are not in the empire you dick.- Irhamel thought, his eyes squinted focusing behind the prince and noticing movement in the immediate vicinity, a familiar face scowled at him as it came into view. ¡°Irhamel what¡¯s going on? What¡¯s this entire ruckus here?¡± Enatel asked, walked towards the group; with his hands separated the two boys and stood in between facing Irhamel. ¡°Fath...Master, this guy here was about to hit a girl and I stopped it, that¡¯s about it, isn¡¯t it guys?¡± Irhamel said, looking at the Sword Saint asking the crowd with his eyes, turning his head left and right slowly queried everyone around and stopped again at his father. ¡°Irhamel, if what you say is true, well done, a man should never raise his hand to a girl. Exactly what I would expect of my Son...**ahem** Apprentice¡± Enatel said nodding with pride. Irhamel¡¯s head dropped to the right alongside with shoulders and closed his eyes, he could hear the hushed voices saying -apprentice- in surprise. ¡°Thank you, master. Now then how about we leave it here ¡®Prince¡¯ I still have to finish my late enrollment and my master, the Sword Saint, has come to pick me up¡± Irhamel said, making emphasis on his father¡¯s title. After all the effort he went through to avoid this specific scenario he ended up using his family¡¯s influence to get out of the place as quickly as he could. ¡®Apprentice he said¡¯ ¡®Late enrollment? Is he allowed to join this late¡¯ ¡®He said -son- didn''t he? Is it their son? Their son!!¡¯ Murmurs were said all around, the prince¡¯s eyes opened wide and his mouth had a slight gap, his arms dropped as he looked at Irhamel¡¯s back walking away being followed by the Sword Saint, the Golden Lathai and a little girl holding his hand. Everybody else was staring at Irhamel with their mouths open and rounded eyes full of bewilderment but one girl, her amber eyes shone brightly and her cheeks turned red, with a small nod of her head two muffled words escaped her mouth. ¡°Found you!¡± Ch 2 - Altercation Ch 2 -Altercation It¡¯s been four months since his entrance to the University and Irhamel is doing his usual training at the Military Arts training hall, moving without pause his twin practice swords at a speed that seems to be unnatural. The other students around him are befuddled by the fact that a kid so young is training with the advanced course students. Moving his right swing back to front from overhead at 2 millimeters per second and his left swing raising diagonally left to right from the below at the same speed. Many of the other students can¡¯t help but look at him with both disdain and amazement. Irhamel took about an hour to complete a set of swings, only to start all over again from a different angle and direction. One of the students showing sincere curiosity asked the Sword Saint about Irhamel¡¯s training. ¡°Teacher, what¡¯s the training Irhamel is doing?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a special highly advanced training from our sword style, is meant to have your muscles get used to the path of a swing perfectly; the goal is to have your body remember the position of the blade and carry the motion of the swing from wherever position it may be when you start it¡± With clear confusion in their faces, the students attempted to imitate the movement to only give up a couple of seconds later, complaints of how Irhamel was either boasting or showing off were heard in three specific groups of students. The prince of Vaesta was in one of these groups, not only unable to let go of the grudge from when they first met, the kid had already thwarted his plans of becoming the Sword Saint apprentice without even appearing in front of him, which drove him to hate Irhamel even more. Another group was formed by a small number of high nobles of the Averenth Dynasty, they held neither a grudge nor hate towards Irhamel, but didn¡¯t like the kid and decided to show it clearly since the first day. Today Alleyn Marple, a somewhat good looking but cocky Military Artist from the Averenth Dynasty had decided to pick a fight with Irhamel; as the friends planned beforehand, he would wait until the kid was about to finish the third of those slow swings of his and cause trouble. Mighel Blythe and Liam Tennesley, both also high nobles from the same place as Alleyn were in on it, the three of them have been together since their entrance ceremony five years ago and now being one year away from graduation, they didn¡¯t want a kid showing off in their place, they believed that was their right. Since Irhamel joined the training grounds, the classes were host to many outside visitors, many girls from all courses would take the time to come and stare at him, they would either skip class or use their free time to sit in the practices. This didn¡¯t help much to alleviate the animosity the male members in the training grounds felt towards Irhamel, but he cared not for it, in fact, he rather enjoyed it. Every now and then he would remove his shirt and expose his upper body for them to watch. ¡°But I must say, has anyone asked him about all those scars? How can someone so young, be so marked by combat? I¡¯ve seen a lot of older Military Artists not as scarred as Irhamel¡± ¡°I doubt anyone has dared, but yeah I know what you mean, I¡¯d love to ask him myself as I run my fingers over the scars¡± After giggling some girls continued speaking as they kept watching him practice when one of them started teasing Lunet. ¡°Even Lunet comes every now and then to ogle at Sweet-hamel? Ehehe¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tease her much or she¡¯ll leave again Eloisa, most of us are here for that simple reason so let¡¯s not fall prey to the teasing ourselves¡± ¡°You got that right sister, he is indeed a boy, but by the gods, how can a man be that hot and beautiful I do not know¡± Lunet Rafferty, the girl that knows who he is visited every now and then when he trained and timidly stole glances at him, to leave fully embarrassed not long after when her face was just too red. Her friends tease her a lot yet she still comes again after some days have passed by. ¡®So she came today again, it¡¯s odd that she hasn''t yet approached me. Let¡¯s let her enjoy to her heart¡¯s content than¡¯ ¨C Irhamel thought as he kept working on the final part of the third swing, which was then interrupted by a student who intentionally tripped him into falling down. ¡°Haha sorry kid, you were so slow that I thought you had fallen asleep¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Hehehe yeah yeah, kids should behave like kids go to the basic training hall and work hard¡± ¡°We need the space to spar kid, either spar with us or leave, we haven¡¯t seen you in action even once since you joined the class. Or is it that you are taking advantage of your father¡¯s position to place yourself in a class you can¡¯t handle eh?¡± The mood was turning sour in the training hall, the girls were showing signs of worry and most of the male students were either amused or indifferent. Clearly, the older boys wanted to fight him, so he turned towards his father, the Sword Saint and shot an odd question and hand gesture. ¡°Master I think it¡¯s better if I just do it, so what¡¯s the cap today?¡± ---------------- From an upper room¡¯s window in the training hall reserved for teachers and VIP¡¯s a pair of red eyes were looking down on the training arena, the three boys had purposefully picked a fight with the son of the Sword Saint and he seemed to have taken the bait. Rolling his eyes and shaking his head all the Sword Saint did was extend his right hand showing his 5 fingers. ¡°Irhamel, no magic today ok?¡± ¡®Oh, fifty percent without magic. That¡¯s quite the confidence you got there my old friend, telling your son to fight 3 guys limiting his strength by half¡¯ ¨C King Gervase who was in the VIP room thought while looking the scene unfold below. At least half of the other Military Arts teachers were there too, looking at the same scene as the king, making different faces depending on whatever moods they were feeling. ------------ Nodding to his father¡¯s words Irhamel slowly placed the two swords he had against the wall and went to get a set of training swords meant for sparring. The other three guys were getting ready and a fourth ran out in a hurry with a wicked grin on their face. At another corner of the training arena, a new group of students was being formed, those who were leaving the area started talking among themselves. ¡°So it¡¯s at last time for that kid to be humiliated, it seems my revenge will be carried out by a third party¡± ¡°So my Prince you will just let it go like that? Let the people from the Averenth Dynasty claim the first strike?¡± ¡°If they win why not, it isn¡¯t like I got dibs on the first beating that prick would get, I¡¯ll get my turn in time you will see.¡± The gallery around the training area was beginning to be filled with students, be it the ones that were already there or new arrivals, Irhamel sat down in the arena waiting for his opponents to get ready. Streams of people walked in to watch the fight. After about twenty minutes the three opponents were almost ready and started walking towards the center of the arena, indiscernible chitchat was happening everywhere, alongside the students some teachers made their way into the gallery as well. ----------------------- In front of where Lunet and many other girls were sitting stood the 2 Lathai Mages speaking to the Sword Saint. ¡°Is Irhamel going to be all right Sahiel? those 3 are fairly older than him¡± Lathai Roesia asked Sahiel with a worried tone conveying what the timid girl behind them wanted to know, to which the Sword Saint only smiled and Sahiel replied. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ro, believe me when I tell you, my kid is strong, my only doubt is the limit Enatel put for his ¡®Mana¡¯, I think five percent is really going to make it really challenging for him¡± Roesia body stiffened a bit and her brows twitched as she looked at Sahiel in surprise. ¡°Wait a minute; it wasn¡¯t fifty but five percent? Is he really able to control his ¡®Mana¡¯ into the unit percentage range already? How harshly have you been teaching that kid?¡± At hearing the explanation the shy girl stood up grasping her hands to her chest, looking at Irhamel with clear worry shown on her face. But the adults were not really paying attention to the happenings behind them as they talked. ¡°Harsh enough to be worthy of his position, remember he is ¡®OUR¡¯ apprentice, so his training has to reflect that, not just anybody can be my apprentice and at the same time my husband¡¯s¡± Roesia¡¯s hair stood on end after hearing Sahiel¡¯s explanation, she knew the boy was the apprentice of them both but to be trained this harshly to the extent where his body got so scarred? Lunet couldn¡¯t help but worry and wonder about Irhamel, her own cowardly personality hasn¡¯t allowed her to talk to him. Since joining the University a little late from the normal entrance ceremony, he has been the focus of many rumors and stares, the main reason why Lunet found it hard to approach him openly and say hello. Her group of friends knew how she felt and what she thought of the boy, and after meeting the fabled savior they could only agree with her and feel attracted to him. Not only was Irhamel supposed to be strong but he was also the embodiment of handsomeness. He had a towering height of almost two meters, a slender full-toned, well-defined body. His face was defined by fine lines making it look angelic; Inherited from his mother, those golden eyes were as if the sun itself was giving him some of its light. Add to that his free, long straight silver hair like his father, the boy had caught the eyes of many if not all of the beauties of the University. ----------- Standing in front of a training dummy, he clenched the wooden sword with his right hand and channeled the ¡®Mana¡¯ into the weapon. Following what seemed to be a single swift and deft swing downwards, he nodded in satisfaction and started to turn around. The sound of wood shattering and crashing caught the attention of everyone present. The training equipment lay in pieces on the ground, yet nobody could explain how a training sword would have the strength to silently slash through wood. ¡°When do we start this? Are you guys done with whatever preparations you were making?¡± With a serious expression on his face, Irhamel questioned his opponents, who all wore incredulous expressions after they witnessed what just happened in front of them. With a little stagger the three of them walked towards the center of the training arena, and nervously Alleyn asked Irhamel something. ¡°Yo...you, are you, aware kid, that we can¡¯t use real swords here right?¡± ¡°But of course my senior, all I carry are normal training swords, yet I can still call upon my ¡®Mana¡¯ am I right?¡± After showing a blunt training sword in each hand, Irhamel spoke as he looked at everyone around and stopped his gaze on his father; raising his brow confirming the question. The Sword Saint simply nodded while closing his eyes in response, and with a single clap quieted everyone in the arena and ordered the training match to start. ¡°Now then boys show me what you are made of, fight fairly and have fun...if you can that is¡± Ch 3 - Friends Ch 3 - Friends ¡®It¡äs been four months already eh¡¯ Talbot thought remembering that day four months ago when he met the silver haired boy. The General Studies major focuses mainly on the topics of history, agriculture, architecture, geography, letters, philosophy, politics, languages, society, and art among many others. People without any innate gifts or those with very low level of power are usually the ones who get into this major. When Irhamel joined the class most of the students were surprised, why was the apprentice of the Golden Lathai not in the Magic major. ----------- ¡°Come on Neruniel, brother has to go to class. Let''s have breakfast together ok?¡± Smiling while carrying his little sister, Irhamel made his way downstairs to the kitchen. Living in a private house for nobles or VIPs in the vicinity of the University, the family of four members spent their free days together. ¡°Good morning mom. What''s for breakfast today? Where''s dad?¡± ¡°Morning Irha, your dad is out trai... oh hello little lady, still gluing yourself to your brother¡¯s neck I see, come over here to mommy¡± Irhamel tried put his sister down but she didn''t want to unwrap her arms from around his neck, chuckling at the girl he lifted her again and went out to the backyard. Seeing his father train is always something that takes Irhamel¡¯s breath away. The same slow swing training that he does, yet the control over the speed is several times superior to his own. The Sword Saint really owns the title and reputation. ¡°Mornin dad. Say hello to daddy Neru!¡± Without interrupting the apparently unmoving blade Enatel looked at his children and with a smile greeted them. ¡°Hello Irha, Neru good morning my little angel, wanna come and play with daddy later?¡± ¡°Buuuu daddy No, I wanna play with brother, stay home and play with me bro, yes?¡± Almost with tears in her eyes, Neruniel denied her father¡¯s offer to play and requested her brother¡¯s time. ¡°I got classes today you know that¡± ¡°Bu...but, I wanna play with Irha, I wanna play, wanna play, wanna play¡± Smiling at his lovable little sister, Irhamel patted her head as he spoke to her with care. ¡°Neru, are you a good girl?¡± ¡°Uhn!¡± ¡°Then you know I have to go to class today, so play with dad while I¡¯m out and then tell me all about it ok?¡± Lowering her head she just nodded while letting go of Irhamel¡¯s neck as he turned to get back inside. ¡°I¡¯ll go after breakfast, Neru take care of daddy, mommy and the house in my place ok?¡± ¡°Uhn!¡± After putting down his sister he sat the dinner table where two slices of bread, two egg, six slices of bacon and some cheese were already laid down in his plate. ¡°Thanks, mom, it looks great¡± With a loving smile, Sahiel placed Neruniel¡¯s food on the table and gave some words to her son. ¡°Eat and go Irha, your first day is important so go and make a good impression¡± ¡°Well there is already an impression made, yesterday¡¯s event was, well you know..." Irhamel said. ¡°Indeed but still, this will be your classroom so try to make some friends¡± Sahiel reiterated. The time for breakfast went down quickly after his father joined them, they ate and planned the rest of the day; as soon as Irhamel finished eating he stood up, said his goodbyes, kissed his sister and left the house. ------------ After waiting outside for a short time the professor called him inside, informed the class about his entrance to the General Studies major and gave him the time to do his introduction. ¡°...Now introduce yourself to your new class¡± Everybody was looking at him with eyes filled with curiosity. ¡°My name is Irhamel Stingryn, I¡¯m eighteen years old and starting today I¡¯m joining this class in the General Studies major. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you all¡± With a very formal introduction, Irhamel looked at his new classmates with anticipation and excitement. Not just because his mother and father wanted him to make a good first impression, but he himself was excited to finally study something different than the sword or magic. ¡°Go sit back there by the window that will be your seat from today onwards. Now be friendly to each other and let''s start class. Personal questions you can sort them out later at break time.¡± With that, the teacher calmed the imminent uproar that was about to happen, and class went by without much issues. As soon as break time hit Irhamel¡¯s desk was surrounded by classmates shooting questions left and right nonstop. Outside of the usual nonsensical questions like ¡®what''s like living with --mom/dad--¡¯ and ¡®are they really that strong¡¯ and the likes, a couple of questions needed proper answering so Irhamel obliged. ¡°Well since an early age I¡¯ve been studying Military Arts from my father and Magic from my mother, so what sense would there be in enrolling in either of those courses. Consider now I don''t know much about the other subjects that I¡¯ll learn here in the General Studies class, so I¡¯m here.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Questions kept coming in and answers kept going out, and the day¡¯s class ended with many questions still unanswered. Irhamel was somehow tired but it was a very new experience to him so he was having fun. He limited himself to answers that would allow him to keep a modest profile and would not cause troubles for him nor his parents. When he was getting ready to leave for home a small group of male students approached him. ¡°Hey Irhamel, would it be ok to leave the school building together?¡± The 3 guys were in his class if he remembered correctly their names were Talbot Malone, Brock Stoneshire, and Wallace Curnow. As he didn¡¯t sense any maliciousness from them, with a smile agreed to the request. ¡°Sure why not, and please call me Irha¡± ¡°Ok Irha, I¡¯m Talbot and they are Brock and Wallace, you can call me Tally as my friends do¡± ¡°I¡¯m Brock Stoneshire, you can call me rock¡± ¡°I¡¯m Wallace Curnow, you can call me Wally too nice to meet you Irha.¡± It was an amicable scene, after the friendly yet rapid introduction, the group walked out the school building talking merrily. After leaving the area of the central cafeteria, Wallace proposed to go somewhere and chat to get to know each other a bit better. ¡°There is a small food cart outside near a park where we can order some food and drinks, how about we go there?¡± After agreeing with the plan Irhamel clarified that he had another appointment later that day. ¡°Sounds good, but I can''t stay for too long if you don''t mind. I promised to spend some time with my little sister today¡± ¡°Sure, let''s then make the most of the time we have¡± They arrived at the park after ordering some food and drinks on the street cart and sat down. The awkward sensation faded away after about two hours and a more natural conversation was taking place. ¡°So Irha, which subjects did you take?¡± Wallace asked. ¡°I took Geography, History, Art, and Society for the first year, what about you guys?¡± Irhamel answered. ¡°We seem to be together in three of your four subjects, none of us took art, why art thou? Any particular interests there?¡± Answering for the group Wallace followed up with another question. ¡°Well It''s in the art class that I can learn about music and dancing is it not? Is a great place to pick up girls too hehe¡± ¡°Oho! I see where you are going, indeed is not a bad method to pick up girls, but if you consider your parent¡¯s positions picking girls shouldn''t be an issue.¡± Wallace offered. ¡°And where is the merit in that Wallie? It¡¯s not about using my parent''s stature but my own effort that will bring me true friends and allies¡± Irhamel replied in a matter of factly way. ¡°I agree with Irha there, Wallie If you want to make true friends isn¡¯t it better to gain them on your own merit?¡± Talbot added to the conversation. ¡°Aren''t we doing that right now?¡± Brock said while smiling. The group spent most of the afternoon talking about nothing in particular, but Irhamel had a great time for the first time in a long while. The freedom he dreamed to have one day seems to have arrived at long last, people whom he could call friends seemed to be within his reach. ¡°Well, guys! It was fun, let''s do it again some other time, as I told you earlier, gotta go, my sister is waiting.¡± Irhamel said while standing up. ¡°Indeed it was fun Irha, let''s do it again. Have fun!¡± Brock added. ¡°See you in class Irha, bye.¡± Wallace finished. --------------------- ¡°Neru don¡¯t go too far ok?¡± Irhamel warned his little sister. ¡°Irha, Irha come, come, a doggy a doggy¡± She beckoned her brother to follow her. Irhamel smiling walked towards his little sister, the girl was pampering a little puppy that was near a tree in the park. ¡°Neru are you having fun? Want to get something to eat while we go back home?¡± Irhamel asked his sister. ¡°Nu nu, play play, bro come, play with me¡± Neruniel dismissed her brother¡¯s question waving her tiny hands at him. Irhamel spent the rest of the afternoon playing with his little sister and just before the sun set the siblings went home. ----------------- ¡°So Talbot how you see this going?¡± Wallace asked ¡°Irhamel seems confident, I think he will win, rock?¡± ¡°I agree, Irhamel will win,¡± Brock replied nodding energetically. The group of three were sitting together close to the entrance of the Training Arena, their friend had just taunted his three opponents. As the spectators quieted down, the fighters started to get in position and after the ¡®start¡¯ shout given by the Sword Saint, the fight began. Irhamel clenched his two swords and kicked the floor with his right foot, sprinting towards Liam who was to his left side. Using the momentum Irhamel performed a full swing with his right arm, his opponent tried to block a little too late and received a blow to his right shoulder. The impact forced him to drop his sword and was sent flying all the way outside the arena; landing head first on the floor his legs were slightly twitching, he had lost consciousness. Deftly landing where his opponent was standing, Irhamel crouched and replaced his broken sword with the now free weapon that was lying at his feet. ¡°One down, two more to go,¡± Irhamel remarked looking at the remaining enemies that were standing some meters away from him. Muffled chatter sprouted from the crowd, and several gasps of surprise escaped the mouths of some of the Martial Arts students. The first strike did not take 2 seconds, in an instant Irhamel had taken away the advantage of numbers that his opponents had. ¡°You cocky bastard, AAAAGGGGGGRRRR!¡± Mighel seeing his friend land outside the fighting area out cold charged towards Irhamel. ¡°NO, DON''T CHARGE AT HIM MIGHEL!!!¡± Alleyn tried to stop him, but it was too late Irhamel looked at his opponent and simply sidestepped to his left and swiftly swung his arm forward, colliding with Mighel¡¯s throat making him flip backward. As soon as Mighel¡¯s back hit the floor, a foot pressed on his chest and the tip of a sword touched his forehead. Above him, Irhamel was aiming his remaining sword towards Alleyn. His expression was so cold and determined that he shuddered in fear for a second. ¡°You are defeated senior, you should not blindly charge against an enemy you know nothing about! Be more careful next time.¡± Irhamel said without looking down, his voice was clear and commanding but it contained no conceit. ¡°I Surrender¡± was all Mighel said. Stepping away from his recently fallen enemy, Irhamel calmly walked towards Alleyn and began speaking. ¡°If age had anything to do with experience or talent I would happily have gone down to the basic level of the course Senior Alleyn Marple, yet it seems only I paid close attention to my classmates during training. Did you even take the time to check my strength? Or my fighting style? Or you just assumed that because I¡¯m several years younger than you I simply had no chance to win against you three? Or that I would hide behind my father¡¯s back? Or use his name to intimidate my way into a peaceful school life? You surely know nothing about me. The teacher here would probably tell you that is more dangerous fighting against an enemy whom you know nothing about than against someone you know is stronger. I have no intention of humiliating anyone here, I came to the university to learn, but if in the process I can leave something behind it will be my pleasure. Get ready, pay attention and think hard on how and why you lost to an unarmed ¡®kid¡¯.¡± Irhamel said emphasizing on the word ¡¯kid¡¯ as he dropped his swords and stood in front of Alleyn. Alleyn was staring intently at Irhamel, the soft trembling of his face, clenching his jaw, baring of his teeth at the kid that was in front of him, yet no sound left his mouth. The next second, staring back at Alleyn, Irhamel very slowly moved his right hand and placed a single finger in Alleyn¡¯s forehead. Willing the ¡®Mana¡¯ to concentrate in the tip of his finger, he lightly pushed forward and the body fell backward to the ground, foaming out of the mouth and wetting the pants. This marked the end of a confrontation that many in the audience thought would end with an entirely different outcome. Ch 4 - Meeting again Ch 4 - Meeting again The results of last week¡¯s duel had spread all around the University, and the name ¡®Irhamel Stingryn¡¯ was spreading in a different light. No longer -The son of the Sword Saint- but -The apprentice of the Sword Saint-, at last people were seeing him for who he was instead of for who his parents were. But all was not daisies and roses, with strength came several other reactions to it. And not all were favorable, the most clearly seen where envy and jealousy. Whatever it was that he used to subdue Alleyn Marple was a topic of much talk, many thought that he must have used magic. Yet at the same time, people wondered when did he chant his spell?. So the question remained -What the hell did Irhamel do to knock out Alleyn?- Some even said that it was a staged fight and Alleyn swallowed something that put him to sleep. An argument that was severely denied by the accused, tho still doubt remained in many people¡¯s mind. -------- In a private room inside the administrative building of the University, away from prying eyes, a meeting was taking place. A group people were speaking about the events that happened just one week past. ¡°So are you saying the kid simply overwhelmed the ¡®Door of Consciousness¡¯?¡± a woman with black hair asked. ¡°Yes, it''s quite simple really¡± A blonde man answered. ¡°Isn''t he too young for that?¡± A red-haired man added. ¡°What does age has to do with it? It''s their son¡± A muscled woman with brown hair replied. ¡°So you are telling me that a kid who should have, at most four years controlling his Mana can do that, don''t joke around¡± The red-haired man spoke again. ¡°Why not? With enough talent and if trained properly four years should be barely enough to learn such techniques¡± The blond man stood up said. ¡°We need to investigate more about it, let''s call the Sword Saint and question him.¡± The red-haired man said ¡°And who do you propose go and summon the Sword Saint? -hey, Enatel you are being summoned by . .- who? And with what reason?¡± The woman with black hair spoke. ¡°How about we solve this differently? Amicably and in class? If we do this forcefully I doubt any of us will live to tell the tale¡± The blonde man said. ¡°What is it Americ? You are being overly passive now.¡± The old man shot at the blond man, Americ Ross, the dean of the Military Arts course. ¡°What''s wrong with being cautious? Or is it that you want to fight the Sword Saint?¡± Americ questioned the red-haired man. ¡°He can''t be that strong Americ, I¡¯m sure that if we fight him together we could win or at least wound him.¡± The red-haired man said sneering. ¡°You seem to have lived a very sheltered life in that country of yours, without seeing the world for what it is. Are all the Military Artists in the Averenth Dynasty this arrogant and ignorant? It will be easier for you to go ask him for a spar and then we resume this meeting. I won''t humor your delusions until you understand really how strong the Sword Saint is.¡± Americ shot back and stormed out of the room. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll do just that you coward.¡± In a murmur, the red-haired man said only to those still in the room. ------------------ The central cafeteria was more crowded than usual, since the fight a week ago many students came to eat here hoping to be able to talk to the apprentice of the Sword Saint. Those who arrived a little late would miss the chance to get proper seating, so the gardens outside near the square plaza were being used more than usual. Looking to the right from the entrance of the cafeteria, a large clearing below a huge tree was occupied by their usual visitors. The four friends sat there sharing food and drinks, speaking of whatever topic they wanted that day. Today¡¯s topic was a recurrent one for the past four months, the silver haired boy that Lunet couldn''t stop thinking about. Usually, between teasing and seriousness the friends would spend their lunch time together, but today the mood was far more serious. ¡°And I heard that now, more are throwing themselves at him¡± A girl with short brown hair, humble dressing, and fair appearance spoke in a low tone.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°The question is not how many want him, but who does he want, is it not Coleen?¡± Erneis Mavis a delicate-looking boy with light brown hair said. ¡°But... but, people say that he fools around too.¡± Bree DeClare, a slender and good looking girl interrupted, she was also a noble from the Achoirhiel Kingdom and childhood friend of Lunet Rafferty. ¡°Well, If he was into boys, I wouldn''t mind him fooling around with me hehehe,¡± Erneis said with red cheeks. ¡°Erneis please!¡± Bree scolded him but not being able to contain herself, burst into laughter. ¡°Lunet so when do you think you will have the courage to talk to him? Or you really think he doesn''t know you go and watch him train every week?¡± Coleen pointed a finger from her left hand at Lunet. ¡°If you waste more time someone may steal him you know? Me for example ha!¡± Erneis said jokingly. ¡°I... I d...dont know if he even remembers me!¡± Lunet finally spoke, with her face all red and fidgeting with her hands. ¡®Uwa, so cute haha and pure¡¯. Bree thought, she truly wanted to help her friend, but chances were scarce and she couldn''t deny that if given the chance she could resist the charms of her friend¡¯s target of affection. A sudden surprise befell the group when four strapping young men approached them and asked permission to join. ¡°Hello and good day, would it be ok for our group to join yours? The cafeteria is too crowded and we would love to avoid going there¡± Wallace of the Curnow family, a well known noble lineage in the Achoirhiel Kingdom asked on behalf of his friends. ¡°P..ple..please do, f..ff..feel free to j..join us!¡± Lunet stuttered and her voice was almost inaudible. ¡°Thank you very much, Lady Rafferty, please excuse me for my late introduction as we are in different majors it took me more time to come greet you¡± Wallace added in an attempt to calm the girl down. ¡°No d..do..dont worry s..sir Curnow, *huff* I am at fault too for not approaching you earlier, please excuse my impoliteness.¡± Lunet nervously started speaking and after taking a deep breath regained control of herself. ¡°Well then, let me introduce my friends so we can sit and have our meal together. This is Talbot, a scion of the noble house of Malone from the Utrisal Kingdom. This is Brock Stoneshire, from our homeland. And lastly, this is as all of you guessed, Irhamel Stingryn, the person in the center of most of the chatter nowadays in the University. *ugh* Hey Irha don''t elbow me that hard, it was a joke ok? A joke man!¡± Wallace said ending with a painful complaint after being elbowed by Irhamel. ¡®What the fuck! And now he is here in the flesh, what do I do, Lunet, the goddess of luck is shining her light on you! This is your chance!!!¡¯ Bree thought as her eyes kept brimming at Lunet. After introducing themselves, and some awkward conversation the new additions to the group started eating. ¡°Did you said your name was Lunet Rafferty right? By any chance do you remember me? I know it was some years ago, but still, I¡¯m almost certain it''s you¡± Irhamel took the initiative and asked Lunet about the encounter they had some years ago ¡®OMG he went and said it on his own, so it''s true that she met him briefly some years ago, good for you Lunet, he does remember you!¡¯ Bree warmly smiled at Lunet after seeing the scene unfolding in front of her. ¡°Y..yes, and y..yes I d..do r..re..remember you, t..thank you for y..your assistance that d..day,¡± Lunet said stuttering again with her head lowered down, in a failed attempt to hide her reddened cheeks. ¡°Oh it was nothing, please do not mention it! It was luck that I passed by when that happened. I¡¯m glad knowing that you are ok! Again tho, such coincidence that we attend the University at the same time, is it not?¡± Irhamel spoke cordially and amicably, with a warm smile on his face. ¡°That''s right! Such a lucky coincidence eh Lu? Hello Irhamel, may I call you Irha too? You can call me Erny, or honey if you like. hahaha¡± Erneis said jokingly as he laughed. ¡°Sure Honey, feel free to call me Irha, my friends call me so¡± With a smirk on his face Irhamel teased the group. Everybody looked at Irhamel as soon as he spoke with astonished looks, after noticing the smirk on his face they all laughed at the joke. ¡°Oh how bold Irha, but ok thank you. Hehe.¡± Erneis added to brighten the mood and calm Lunet down a bit. ¡°So what major are you guys taking? We four are in General Studies¡± Brock asked in a joyous mood. ¡°We three are in the basic Magic course, thanks for asking. Now, General Studies? Irha why so and not either of the other two majors?¡± Bree asked raising her eyebrows. Irhamel patiently explained again to the new group his reasons for joining the General Studies course, which subjects he took and how he met Wallace, Brock, and Talbot. The group exchanged pleasantries and small talk regarding the happenings on the University, then as expected the topic did a 360 turn and pointed back at Irhamel. ¡°How are the training sessions nowadays Irha? People still bother you?¡± Coleen asked meekly. ¡°Well yes, some still murmur behind my back. It''s truly bothersome, doubts are normal but envy is sure an ugly feeling.¡± ¡°It sure is, tho not that I can relate, sorry¡± Talbot added with a defeated look on his face. ¡°A..are p..people still bu..bullying you?¡± Without looking at him, Lunet asked. ¡°Haha, no nothing like that. It''s not like anybody can actually bully me, it''s just been a week so there hasn''t been enough time. But I''m certain that Prince is planning something, soon he¡¯ll act on his grudge, he does look a bit too prideful for his own good.¡± The group fell silent and after a minute or two Lunet sighed, looked straight at Irhamel and spoke. ¡°He has been after me for some time now, two years I think since his parents proposed a union of the families. My parents didn''t answer immediately and later asked me what I wanted to do, I said that I didn''t know the boy so accepting would be somewhat rash. I also wanted to develop my magic further in the University, so in an attempt to avoid a forced engagement the plan was for us to meet here, get to know each other and then I¡¯d decide what I wanted. But he kept showing up at our state every month or so, and I just don''t like his personality and naturally started distancing myself. If I graduate and join the Council of Magi of Achoirhiel or get accepted by a high ranking Mage, a Naesys or Lathai as an apprentice, I can escape a fate where my parents can force me to marry him if it comes to that.¡± Lunet finished speaking and took a deep breath. Her friends were surprised at her speech, knowing her for a long time they knew of this, but sharing it hands first to new people was something really out of character for Lunet. ¡°Wallace, Brock, Talbot, Irhamel, consider yourselves among the lucky ones! Lunet just shared with you something she keeps very close to her heart! And shares only with those she deems worthy of her trust.¡± Bree said solemnly as she looked at the four new friends. Ch 5 - Summoning Ch 5 - Summoning ¡°First she just avoided me, now not only she spends her time with that commoner girl but also that cocky fuck Irhamel¡± Huon Curnow Vaesta complained to himself in his room. ¡°Just how else does he intend to humiliate me? How much more does he want to steal from me? First my honor, now he wants my woman too? DAMNIT!¡±. Born a prince, with a considerably high talent for the Military arts, from an amazing pedigree of warriors he was the youngest of three children, and largely overshadowed his siblings in talent. He was always at the top of what he did, and since joining the University four years ago he established himself as one of the most talented individuals. ¡°CURSE THAT FUCKER, CURSE HIM! I WILL NOT FORGIVE HIM¡± he screamed. ----------------- The new group has been together ever since that day 5 weeks ago, today as they are about to leave the university Irhamel asked something surprising. ¡°Ehm, I promised my little sister that I would play with her today. You all want to come with me?¡± All six of them were frozen in place by the question, it seemed no one expected such a request. After looking at each other they all agreed, it was a great chance to deepen their relationship and a change of pace didn''t hurt. After walking for about fifteen minutes, the group was standing in front of a house in the residential area outside the University. ¡°Mom I¡¯m home and I bring visitors,¡± Irhamel said as soon as he opened the door. The first one to make an appearance in the hall was a lovely little girl. Running from a room to the left, the little girl jumped and hugged Irhamel faster than lightning. ¡°Irha, Irha, Irha, welcome home! I¡¯ve missed you¡± with a large and wide smile Neruniel welcomed her brother. ¡°Hello Neru, now where are your manners? I brought friends over, what does a good girl do in this situation?¡± With a loving smile and caressing the head of his sister Irhamel said. ¡°Sorry brother, *ahem* Good afternoon and welcome to our home, I¡¯m Neruniel, Irhamel¡¯s sister, please do come in,¡± the girl said in a childish but polite tone. It was a heartwarming scene seeing their friend caring for his sister and lovingly scold her. As they made their way in the Golden Lathai welcomed them in the living room. ¡°Hello and welcome to our home, I¡¯m Sahiel Stingryn, Irhamel¡¯s mother it''s a pleasure to meet you all! Thank you for taking good care of my son.¡± After exchanging greetings and introductions the group was guided to the backyard, there they spent the remainder of the afternoon talking and playing with Irhamel¡¯s little sister. ¡°Will you all be staying for dinner?¡± Sahiel showed her head from a window and asked. ¡°If it''s not much of a bother, we would love to right?¡± Wallace answered as fast as he could, to avoid anyone denying the invitation. --------------- ¡®How did it end up like this?¡¯ Irhamel thought as he sat beside his mother in the basic magic practice room. Students from all the courses were visiting this particular session, Lathai Roesia invited the Golden Lathai today and suggested to bring him along. ¡°So as you know, we have today with us the Golden Lathai, Sahiel Stingryn. Please receive her cordially, she will today help me with the class and assist with your first conscious contact with the ¡®Moonwell¡¯¡± Roesia spoke to the class introducing Sahiel to the class. When she took the stand the class started with a couple of assertions, to make sure the level of the students. Covering topics of a wide range of knowledge. Mages, in essence, are gifted people who have access to channel mana from the realm known as ¡®The Moonwell¡¯ where mana is infinite. Mages are grouped in 5 ranks. The mana in the moonwell is too pure and its density is too high; if handled improperly by mages of Elsalor or higher rank it can lead to irrecoverable damage to the caster¡¯s mind.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. For this reason, mages enter in ¡®willing contracts¡¯ with the entities that reside in The Moonwell, the Elementals, who manifest into the mortal realm to filter the mana used by the mage. Elementals have 3 known ranks and are contracted accordingly by the mage¡¯s rank. To make a willing contract with the moonwell, one has to be of at least Elsalor rank, Vennelis can''t control enough mana to pose a threat to themselves. There are 7 major elements, and contracts can be made with up to one of each type. Based on the mage rank, affinity and capability. Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Lightning, Light, and Darkness. ¡°Does the number of contracts affect or is influenced by your rank as a mage?¡± Some girl asked ¡°Irhamel, could you answer the questions from here on?¡± Sahiel instructed her son to take care of the tedious task, as he expected. Giving a light nod to his master he stood in the middle of the Teacher¡¯s stand. ¡°Yes and no, Jinnei elementals have a wide range of power they can manage, yet they are ultimately limited to help the mage filter from 3% up to a maximum of 6% of your mana capacity from The Moonwell, more and they are consumed by it and disappear,¡± Irhamel answered. After a few seconds of silence and some musing, some students smirked as one spoke. ¡°Teacher, isn''t Irhamel too young to be answering questions in class?¡± A boy spits words with as much venom as he could muster. ¡°This is why I didn''t want to do this mom!¡± Irhamel said looking at Sahiel. Sahiel stood up again and looked at the boy who had reproached her decision. ¡°Do you believe that I, a Lathai mage, would put my ¡®apprentice¡¯ out of simple nepotism to answer questions if I didn''t think he was capable?¡± With a serious expression on her face and making emphasis on the word, ¡®apprentice¡¯, Sahiel spoke staring at the boy. The boy and many others who were equally discontent couldn''t do much but to sit back and shake their heads, no one would dare to refuse a Lathai mage. With a hand gesture, Sahiel instructed Irhamel to continue. ¡°Questions? Anyone?¡± Irhamel asked, his eyes were half opened and his mouth was a little shifted to the left. ¡°Are you bored Teach?¡± Erneis Mavis, one of the new friends asked in a joking tone. ¡°Questions? Anyone? Oh, not really but if I¡¯m not good enough to answer I¡¯ll happily sit down¡± Irhamel said raising both arms and shoulders making a bored expression with his face. ¡°So having many contracts only ensures more refined mana?¡± Smiling, Bree DeClare asked leaning forward on her desk. ¡°Yes, if for example, you can contract one of each Jinnei, and if they are top tier ones, as long as your mind can process it, you could potentially channel 42% of the mana available to you,¡± Irhamel answered after nodding to her friend. ¡°But you say 42% does that mean of the total mana of The Moonwell or of your own capacity?¡± Another boy asked. ¡°Of your own capacity, only the legendary Velethuil can channel mana directly from The Moonwell, but consider the implications. If the mana in the Moonwell is infinite, how do we quantify that?. Now how do you quantify your own mana capacity? That''s usually guessed by your rank as a mage and the scale of the magic you can wield. It can also be measured by a higher rank mage, by confronting each other''s mana.¡± Irhamel replied patiently. ¡°How many Jinnei elementals does teacher Sahiel and Teacher Roesia have contracted?¡± A very young girl asked. The two teachers stood up and walked towards Irhamel, there they started chanting in low voice and after some four to five seconds called their elementals. The Golden Lathai summoned five elementals, and Lathai Roesia Summoned four. The students were excited at the display of power that just happened in front of them, seeing the formless figures hover about was an awe-inspiring scene. ¡°Teacher Sahiel, does your apprentice has a contract? Can he show us his Harufi?¡± Lunet mustered her courage and asked the innocent question. ¡°Why yes, of course. Irhamel, I know you don''t like boasting, but could you show them what it means to be the apprentice of a Lathai, more so one like myself?¡± With pride brimming from her eyes Sahiel asked her son to demonstrate his worth. ¡°And who is boasting now ¡®mom¡¯?¡± Irhamel reproached his mother¡¯s tone and attitude. Sahiel just shot a stare at her son but then turned towards Lathai Roesia and whispered something to her ear. Roesia Saunbary one of the most powerful mages of the continent Squealed ¡®what¡¯ and with her eyes wide open stared at the boy. ¡°All of them? master...¡± Irhamel asked her mother pleading with his eyes. ¡°All of them, show everybody that you have to be at least of high Naesys rank to be my apprentice.¡± Sahiel coldly replied without looking away from the students. ¡®So she wants me to appear of Naesys rank, then two Harufi and one high ranked Jinnei should suffice.¡¯ Irhamel thought while nodding to his mother. The class went into an uproar at the revelation just made by Sahiel, claiming that her son, a kid of barely eighteen years of age was ranked Naesys was just too unbelievable. Chatter could be heard all around the classroom, words like ¡®impossible¡¯ or ¡®lies¡¯ were repeated like an echo around the students. Irhamel looked at the students, his face looked pinched and his eyebrows drew together. Ending with a nod looking at the girl who requested the display. Taking a deep breath Irhamel¡¯s body suddenly was enveloped by a thin but visible bluish layer of mana. The color of his eyes oscillated between silver and his own. With the elbows bent he brought up both his arms to the level of his chest and murmured a really short chant. ¡°Ehm, what was it? whatever.¡± The murmur was so low that only the teachers heard it. In a flash, 2 gloves of different colors formed in his hands, then a large dark figure began to form. The figure that had just joined the corporeal plane circled around its master. ¡°Sahiel, you... by the gods... what is he?¡± Lathai Roesia couldn''t control her surprise at the spectacle that had just taken place in front of her very eyes. At the sight of the elementals, some students squealed while others stared intently; fear, surprise, and awe were displayed on their faces. Irhamel shook his head and slowly turned around then just uttered one word in a commanding tone. ¡°Leave.¡± The elementals vanished one after the other while Irhamel went back to his seat.