《The Gods we created.》


 Prologue ch. 0

    Nobody expected that, world could be changed, in only one night. 11 January 2025, it was normal and totally ordinary day. There wasn''t prophecy from ancient civilization about apocalypse and even modern seers were quiet about that day. But in this ordinary day about 9 pm stars has fallen. Unbelievably huge amount of meteors started bombarding both Americas. At 2 am two continents became desolate area. In 5 hours about 1,5 bilion people were killed and another  billion have died in global cataclysms caused by that event. Later, this truly remarkable night in human history was called Night of Fallen Stars. And once again nobody expected that it was just a beginning. After that night, strange things started to happens. On the whole planet, cases of people obtaining strange powers appeared. Some of them could move objects with their minds, others could manipulate liquids or gasses. There were many  different types of this powers but they had one common feature, all of them were breaking laws of physics. People started to call this phenomenon simply Magic because  It took 5 chaotic years for scientists to create Basic Psionic Theory. Origin of Magic still was unknown but scientist were able to roughly describe how Magic works. It became clear, that after Night of Fallen Stars some parts of humans brains that weren''t active before, started to work. Next huge step on the road to explain magic, was discovery of psions. Scientist focused on human brains have noticed that while using Magic, human body was emitting unknown type of radiation. With further research discovered that it was radiation similar to light and with use of the corpuscular theory of wave psions were discovered. With that Magic became simple, humans by using their awakened brains were able to use psions. Psions were source of power to the phenomenon called Magic. Of course transforming psions in to energy wasn''t easy, most of people gifted with Psionic Body were creating whole process without deep understanding purely subconsciously. There were differences in quantities of psions that human body could create, some people were able to only to create light and some of them could move heavy trucks in the air. With Basic Psionic Theory technology connected to Magic started to develops rapidly. Within next two years Unification of Magic took place. With help electronic devices connected to human body, magicians could learn other ways to use magic not only the types they were subconsciously using. Revolution started on whole planet and with balance destroyed by Night of Fallen Stars war have started. Third World War, with magician as the new weapon, conflict on the scale never seen before, took place. World were divided between 4 forces, European Union, New Soviet Union, Asian Alliance and Islamic State. In first ten years 2 billions of people have died. Human lives became worth less than pile of dirt. The hardest fights took place between Islamic State and Asian Alliance. The territory of India was completely destroyed and became wasteland. Islamists were slaughtering civilians  without any hesitation. After another 5 years war started to change, first generation of magicians fully created and raised by military was send to the battlefield. With use of technology and genetics, huge psionic talent was no longer matter of luck. New engineered magicians were stronger and their Auras, areas of psionic influence became much bigger. War has turned on second gear and new slaughter started once again. But on 11 January 2052 something has changed. Exactly 27 years after cataclysm forces of Soviets and European Union where about to clash on the eastern territory of former Poland. It had to be one of decisive battles. Both of sides gathered enormous number of magicians. Over 200 000 of them were about to fight. When the battle started earth started to tremble, huge amounts of energy were released by large groups of magicians. After two hours of fighting none of sides were victorious and then something happened. People from whole old continent could saw flash of light from west. For few seconds night became bright as day. Nobody could tell what was an origin of that phenomenon but everything in 200 km radius from battlefield was turned into ash. Europeans and Soviets took damage that couldn''t be described by words. There were forces that waited for that opportunity. Surprisingly invasion didn''t came from Islamic State. Enemy forces came from churches. Hundreds of thousands of magicians trained in secret came out on the streets in the name of God. Leaders of European Union seeing the power of Church could only surrender. It took them only a one year to take over whole Europe. With the name of the Lord on their mouth, Church announce themselves as the wielders of God''s power. People exhausted after many years of cataclysms and war were converting themselves in millions. They believed that God will protect them from their misery. Once again Church was ruling Europe. Rest of world seeing power of unknown origin, destroying two armies, have stopped their military operations, unsure of ot their strength. The age of fragile peace has begun.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.***


    12 January 2052


    Father August Collins was member of special unit created by Vatican Church to investigate European and Soviet armies destruction. In only eight hours after explosion, Church forces began to take control in whole Europe. Instead of being send to fight, Collins and his comrades were seconded to the eastern Europe.


    August Collins was young 23 years old priest, due to his outstanding magical taken he was able to obtain high military rank. With eleven of colleagues from his unit, he was flying in military helicopter over the desert. There was just one thing that made this situation exceptional. 24 hours earlier there were plains and forests and now only dirt and ashes were left. While looking trough window, August couldn''t believe that such a force existed in this world. They were halfway to the epicenter when all magicians felt strong psionic  pressure like never before.


    "Captain, we have lost connection to base. Looks like some psionic anomaly." One of pilots reported to him.


    "Understood, it has  to be some psionic energy left after explosion. We will continue with our mission but just to be sure I order state of emergency."


    "Roger that, we will now proceed in state of emergency."


    Around 5 kilometers from center of desert marked by satellite. Another wave of sonic energy has hit helicopter with Collins crew onboard. Like before pressure created by wave of condensed psions was enormous. One of weaker magicians even fainted.


    "Captain, I don''t think that we can fly any further. If this anomalies will be stronger, they will probably cook our devices."


    "Ok land here we travel rest of distance on the ground."


    "Roger, prepare for landing."


    After landing, unit formed from six magicians and six soldiers from special operation group started walking trough desert. It took nearly  two hours of struggle to arrive at place where satellites couldn''t reach because of night psionic and electromagnetic interferences. After reaching top of last dune an amazing view appeared before their eyes, Over 1km in radius totally flat crater. But most amazing thing was material from which flat surface was made. It was glass like crystal, covered with millions of reflections. Collins were amazed by this unearthly landscape, when voice of one of the soldiers broke silence.


    "There is something in the center of crater"


    In one second whole team was standing in battle formation.


    "Carsson, report."


    With silent voice young capitan ordered one of the scouts.


    "Unidentified object on 12 o''clock. Distance about 1100m. No movements."


    "Ok. Boccia try to check it with your device."


    One of magicians took out telescope like thing. Wile sending psions to the device, he looked trough ocular.


    "Captain, I can see clearly because of high psionic interactions but it looks like sitting child."


    "Repeat."


    "Object looks like sitting child."


    Things became seriously strange and young  started to seriously worried about safety of his people.


    "Ok we will proceed little further. Boccia keep an eye on this thing."


    "Roger."


    While moving slowly unit reduced their distance from center of the crater. When distance was about 700 meters. Collis has stopped his man.


    "Boccia, raport."


    " It still looks like child, from this distance I can say that it is a boy about ten years old."


    "Any reaction ?"


    "No he doesn''t move."


    "Ok, Carsson shot red flare in the air. Be ready to retreat if something goes wrong."


    "Roger."


    One of a soldiers loaded up grenade launcher attached to his assault rifle. Second later with small explosion sound, cloud of red smoke appeared high in the air between their unit and mysterious child.


    "Boccia?"


    "No reaction sir."


    "Ok, 200 meters forward and shot another flare."


    Situation repeated three times with the same result. After that captain Collins decided to approach this boy directly. When he and his man stopped only 10 meters next to little sitting figure something happened. Even hearths of tough spec-ops soldiers stopped for second when child, who was previously sitting without any movements, suddenly opened his eyes and said.


    "Finally, it took you forever to came here."

 Elizabeth Hart

    1 October 2057


    Mornings always hard for Elizabeth and fact that she couldn¡¯t sleep last night didn¡¯t help. Everything was caused by anticipation before her big day. Finally after a lot of effort she was about to start her education in Holy Spirit Academy.  It wasn¡¯t easy task to pass enrollment, with both test results and magic power high over average she barely made it. Everything thanks to her rare talent and recommendation letter from her uncle. Brother of her father was Colonel in Holy Knights division and after her parents death, he took care of her. Elizabeth felt bad that she used her uncle influence to become one of Holy Spirit Academy students but only after graduating this academy she could get stipendium for any research she wanted. That was her life goal to continue her parents work.


    Finally after 15 minutes of viscous fight with alarm clock, Elizabeth has left her bed. Quick check in mirror didn¡¯t end up to well. Her long copper-coloured hair were in total mess and she got huge bags under her eyes. With little time she had left, she took quick shower and tried to make something with her hair. It is obvious that looking like a decent human creature helps at first day in new school. When she finally showed herself at breakfast her hair looked tolerably but unfortunately there was nothing she could do about bags under her eyes. Her uncle was waiting for her in dining room. Obviously he ate his breakfast long time ago and he was just waiting for Elizabeth. Colonel William Hart was fairly young man in his middle thirties. About 1,9m tall he was rather handsome man and with spectacular career in Holy Knight Order he could be a great marriage material. Unfortunately he wasn¡¯t that popular with women because of his hair. Like all members of Hart family his hair were copper-coloured, almost orange. If not hair color it was hard to find any family resemblance. With only 1,65m in high she looked like small child beside his uncle. Elizabeth inherited her gentle face and amazing blue eyes after her mother. Eyes were Elizabeth pride, not only they were saving her form totally ginger-like green eyes of Hart family but in addition were source of Elizabeth talent. Except of great magical talent, Elizabeth was additionally gifted with something called Psionic Eyes. With her eyes permanently changed by psions she was able to see peoples auras. Auras are manifestation of psionic powers. Normally auras are like membrane covering human body and if people are using magic their auras extends to the range of magic they are using. In basic, maximum range of magicians  auras depends on their power and it determines ones strength. Magicians can also extend their auras without using magic, such a skill need a lot of training to be mastered but is very useful in fighting because it helps you to locate another magicians. So in summary Elizabeth eyes let her not only sense psions but also see them. There was also another thing but Elizabeth never told about it except her parents when she was a child. Her mother could see psions as a particles of white light but Elizabeth was different. Auras which she was seeing, had their own color. After few years Elizabeth understood that color of aura determines the type of inborn magic. Present magicians can use all types of magic thanks to discoveries of psionic technology but each of magicians can use type magic with which he was born. Telekinesis, fire magic, air magic all of them got their own color. For example her uncle got strong red aura around him. William just as his brother Alfred , Elizabeth father, was born with outstanding talent to manipulate fire but Elizabeth got her wind magic after her mother.


    When Elizabeth noticed her uncle aura, her hand immediately reached to pocket of her jacket. It wasn¡¯t even a second when glasses appeared on her nose. Aura around of her uncle body had disappeared. It was rather unusual for William to wait for Elizabeth but today wasn¡¯t anything surprising about this. Today was her first day in new school and day when she was moving to Holy Spirit Academy dormitory. It wasn¡¯t easy decision to leave her uncle another war indisputably coming, William Hart was a very busy man and he couldn¡¯t spend as much time in home as before. Another problem was distance, as a colonel, William doesn¡¯t have any problem to hire driver for his  niece but Holy Spirit Academy was located on suburbs on the other side of New Vatican city. In normal day whole travel would took about 1 hour, so Elizabeth decided to find yourself place in dormitory. Elizabeth had sat to the table and started eating her breakfast. With troubled face her uncle started conversation.


    "So, big day. I guess you must be worried but don''t be. I am sure that everything will be alright."


    Yeah, in addition to his red hairs, William wasn''t  great with words. In army where everything is under regulations he is good orator but when talk is about feelings or even normal everyday events, he became like five years old.


    "It''s alright uncle you don''t have to calm me. I am just little exited about everything that''s all." It''s funny how this little lies were easy to say for Elizabeth. The truth was that she was completely worried about everything. But it was better to not make her uncle be distracted. Who know what might happen when colonel of Holy Knights Order would be thinking about his nice instead of his work.


    "Is that so. I am glad. You know, I have been trying to rais you as  best as I could, after your parents death. And I have to said that I am proud of you."


    While seeing tears in corners of her uncle eyes she had to intervene.


    " I know uncle and I am very grateful to you. You are my only family and I love you with all my heart but don''t make such a scene. You know I am already fifteen and it''s not like I am getting married. Besides academy is only one hours drive from home and I have promised that we will have dinner together every Sunday."


    Elizabeth was wandering how such a good man didn''t find himself a wife.


    "Sorry, I just got a little emotional."


    Second later his normal military look came back on his face.


    " You should hurry, you shouldn''t be late on entrance ceremony. I have lieutenant Anders waiting for you in the car in front of house. Your stuff will be delivered to the dormitory on the afternoon."


    "Thank you uncle. I will be going then. I will call you at the evening."


    Elizabeth knew that without a call, her uncle would probably lose his mind.


    When Elizabeth walked out from house she was wearing her full uniform. White jacket with knee long skirt gave rater military look and with addition of warm coat with high collar she looked like young officer. Uniform was very comfortable and Elizabeth liked how It looked but there was one small problem, shoes.  Standard female uniform comes high-heeled shoes, they looked nice and were made from leather but Elizabeth wasn''t able to walk even few meters in them. Since her youngest years she wasn''t able to walk in shoes with even smallest heels. Of course there was flat option of shoes when she was ordering her uniforms but she decided that in those flat shoes she looks more childish and finally she didn''t buy it. Not giving up, Elizabeth started to study academy regulations and she found solution. Apparently everything was alright unless she was wearing something besides official uniforms. So mixes of different sets were possible. With that knowledge she ordered two pairs of boots from field version of academy uniform. Those high boots   where reaching to half of her calf and had reinforced structure. With upper part of normal uniform and boots from field uniform Elizabeth looked rather unusual but it was still better than twisted ankle. In front of house was single car with young officer standing next to it. Elizabeth recognized young lieutenant Anders. It was handsome man with tall and wide posture. She knew he very well because he was right hand of her uncle and few times he was guest at dinner in Hart house. In contrast to her uncle he was already married and had sweet twins. Elizabeth was even looking after them twice . With little grin on his face Anders welcomed her.


    "Uniform serves you well Elizabeth, you should think about career in army. I am sure when enemy will see how beautiful you are they we throw their weapons and immediately surrender."


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation."Very funny Anders, seriously you should leave army and start career as a comedian. I guarantee you great succes."


    "Only if you will be there to replace me."


    After this little chat, Elisabeth got into a car and they headed out to Holy Spirit Academy. While one hour long travel she could only watch New Vatican city trough car window. After destruction of Rome in first years of great war Church and local government decided to rebuild it. With enormous amount of money gathered with help of believers from around globe a new city was created with a monumental St.Peter Basilica. Over three times bigger then original one basilica was placed in the center of a city. Visible from every part of New Vatican it was remainder of power of the Church. Tired by sleepless night and calmed by monotonic sound of car Elizabeth fall asleep.


    "....wake up! I swear that if you wont open your eyes in 10 seconds I will call your uncle."


    After hearing threats from young lieutenant Elizabeth has opens her eyes.


    "Finally, I took almost 10  minutes to wake you up. We are already in front of Academy entrance. You should better hurry if you don''t want to be late."


    Fully awoken thanks to Anders words Elizabeth jumped out of a car. She was standing before main academy entrance and quick look at watch told her that she have only 15 minutes until Entrance Ceremony begins. Fortunately, thanks to her anxiety from day before she checked campus map few times. With fast pace she reached auditorium in less then ten minutes. Before her eyes appeared a short queue of students in similar uniforms. Without further hesitations she took place at the end. When it was her turn, a short middle aged man in black uniform asked her about her name. After confirming her identity, Elizabeth was send to the left side of auditorium to join other newcomers. Around her were about 100 students in first year uniforms. Next two hours passed on listening speeches of director and few officials from Church. At the end of an official part of ceremony was time for first year representative. On the stage appeared one of first year students. He was candidate with best score and outstanding magic power. His name was Carl Rosen and he was son of general Victor Rosen commander of Holy Knights Order. With outstanding charisma he presented our future as messengers of God under protective wings of Church fighting to free earth from evil. Elizabeth was listening his word with astonishment, it wasn''t speech that you expect from fifteen years old student. Despite her deep faith in God and Church she couldn''t understand how Carl Rosen could talk about mission from God with such a confidence. With end of Entrance Ceremony it was time to find her class. Main academy building was right next to auditorium and it was connected with wide passage. Elizabeth headed out to main building with rest of first year students, she was in first year class B. By following other first year she quickly found right corridor and her class. Sits were given in random order with little name tags in the corners of desks. Elizabeth has found her place and started to looking around her class room. Like whole academy everything was almost new created with modern design. Holy Spirit Academy was institution founded only four years ago so there was only one class of absolvents. On her left side was only a glass wall with view on academic park and sport facilities. There was only one desk left behind her and it was empty. It looks like someone is already late. Elizabeth noticed that Rosen guy form Entrance Ceremony was in her class but he was sitting on the other side of room. Atmosphere in classroom was rather strange nobody was talking except for twin girls sitting before Elizabeth and whispering to each others. The twins were really rare in magicians families a nobody knows why, so pair of almost identical girls in academy for most talented magical students was definitely something special. In addition they were exceptionally beautiful, with long blond hairs and big blue eyes but Elizabeth was envy because of their high, twins were at least 1,8m high. On her right side strange girl was sitting. With long black as ink hair and skin even paler that Elizabeth''s ginger complexion, she was looking like wearing those white uniform, was  painful experience. Another surprise was a piece of tattoo which could be seen on the her left hand under the sleeve. Elizabeth couldn''t spend more time on looking at her classmates because their teacher already came to the class. Young women dressed in black equivalent of students uniform entered classroom with confident step. He looked rather pretty with a little of tough looks.


    "Welcome in Holy Spirit Academy, my name is Katia Bereshinkov and I will be your homeroom teacher. If you will have any problem related to academy you can talk to me. As for today we will start with a little introduction and after that I will explain to you a few basic rules."


    She has a strong but nice for ears voice and eyes that could crush a rock with just one glance.


    "To give you a little encouragement I will tell you something about myself. I am 28 years old and I was serving almost 10 years in Holy Knights Order. I got rank of major but after I lost my hand I have retired and since two years I work in this academy as a teacher. You can call me Ms. Bereshinkov."


    A silent sound came from surprised students. Indeed if you took a look at her right hand you could see it was prosthesis. But most important she was major in age of 26 or even earlier, which was outstanding accomplishment. Without further prolongation students introductions have started. It turned out that all students in class were somehow related to most powerful people in our country. Twins were daughters of CEO of largest company producing devices for magicians. Tattooed girl from right was related to one of generals from army. Other students got many relatives in army or Church and of course there was son of Holy Knights Order. Elizabeth  with her uncle being colonel was feeling rather out of place. When it was her turn  she forgotten everything she prepared before and was able to say:


    "Hello, my name is Elizabeth Hart and I am interested in medicine magic and after graduation I want to focus on research."


    It wasn''t the best introduction of all times but it could go much worse. At least nobody laugh at her. Carl Rosen''s introduction was like his speech before full of patos and confidence but there wa introduction which really astonished whole class. When teacher has read name of Theodor Svensson, Elizabeth could be only surprised hearing sound of pulled chair from behind. She didn''t even noticed when late student appeared. When her classmate walked next to her and stood up in the front of class she felt how unfair is this world. How fifteen years boy could have over 1,9m in high? Theodor face wasn''t as perfect as Rosen''s but with almost black hair and steel-gray eyes he could be described as handsome. With voice which was rather low for fifteen years old he started his introduction.


    "My name is Theodor Svensson, fifteen years old. I like to read books, mostly fiction or historic. I don''t have any plans for future yet."


    That was really weird.  This guy has became student of best magic academy in country and he don''t have any ambitions? Moreover he doesn''t even look like a son of important family. All students in class were confused.


    After all introductions Ms. Bereshinkov has told students about subject selection and gave them forms to fill for tomorrow. After that they were free. Elizabeth couldn''t stay and try to make some friends because her stuff should be brought soon. When she arrived at girls dormitory he saw lieutenant Anders be for building with few suitcases and cardboards. She checked herself in dormitory keeper and with help of lieutenant Anders she moved all things to her room. As excepted from best academy in country her room was rather big with small kitchen and bathroom. After young officer has left she sat on the edge of her bed and sighed loudly and started unpacking her things.

 S-class student.

    Elizabeth couldn''t remember when she woke up that early before but there was nothing to be surprised about. Last evening, when she ended unpacking her stuff and arranging her new room it was only 8pm but after sleepless night and such a stressful day she was exhausted. She managed to fill form that was given to her by Ms.Bereshinkov and after that she fall asleep. Form was needed to create her week schedule. In Holy Spirit Academy students got some freedom to chose what they wanted to learn. Of course there was obligatory part of subjects not connected to magic and covering at least part of normal highschool program but it wasn''t big. Elizabeth had to cover given amount of hours by chosen subjects. As additional rule was that she have to chose at least two subjects connected to using magic as weapon. When Church took control over country military training form magicians became obligatory. Holy Spirit Academy was deeply connected to military and Holy Knight Order but it wasn''t focused only on fighting techniques. Almost half of subjects were connected to psionic technology development and other types of magical research. Elizabeth didn''t have much trouble with choosing subjects for her. When it was sure that she will be studying in Holy Spirit Academy, she got long conversation with her uncle about which subjects were best for her. As since type she choose Use of Psions Research, Psionic Control and Open Research Time. Two first were focused on improving students control over psions and the last one was as name says opportunity for students to focus on their own ideas and theories with support form academy staff and with use of academy facilities. Problems have started when Elizabeth was about to choose her battle training but with help from her uncle she was able to choose obligatory two. She decided on Psionic Detection, subject focused on searching and scouting with use of psions and Magic Swordsmanship. Elizabeth wasn''t realm sure about the second one but her uncle urged to choose it. He wanted that she could learn, how to protect herself. Magical Swordsmanship may sounds funny but with development of magic, firearms became less and less effective and real revolution came when scientists discovered two type of alloys. First of them was called Psionium, mix of gold, silver, aluminum, iron and few more metals. Discovery of Psionium was in pair of discovery of bronze. Everything because Psionium could conduct psions. With new alloy first concepts of magical devices were created and finally it was possible to for magicians to use all kinds of magic freely. With that, firearms became useless against magicians in most cases and normal humans couldn''t stand a fight against magicians. With technology development concept of fight between magicians changed. There were two options to fight in distance with use of long range magic or close combat. And that''s when swords and other melee weapons came back to life. With magic  and weapons created with use of Psionium, Magical Swordsmanship was created. While Psionium got huge amount of ways to use it, the second newly created alloy got only one and simple feature. Adamantium created mostly from platinum and gold was like sponge for psions. In range of about 1m from small amount of Adamantium all psions were sucked in. With use of adamantium creating restrictions for magicians was possible but most importantly Adamantium could help people that couldn''t control their inborn magic.


    After she got out from bed, Elizabeth took a long shower and prepared herself for school. Today instead of normal lessons, which will start next day, all first year students got magic power tests. Elizabeth couldn''t understand why, because when she was still only candidate, she took that test twice with rest of candidates. With number of magicians increasing in fast pace, magic power classification was created. There were seven basic magic classes form the weakest one F-class to strongest S-class. In theory above normal S-class there should be SS and SSS classes but officially there wasn''t magician to reach that level. After magic explosion 5 years ago, theory that SSS-class magician caused this tragedy, was created. But Church like always was silent about things like this.


    Elizabeth felt a little bit bad about this tests because she will have to take off her glasses. With addition on Psionium and Adamantium her glasses were blocking her psionic vision but to get best possible score on test she need to take it off. Lack of glasses wasn''t that bad, in her opinion she even look better without them but real problem would be that she will able to see other students auras. Elizabeth felt bad because for her seeing other''s auras was violating their privacy.


    After eating breakfast Elizabeth headed out to area where sports facilities were located. She she arrived at the entrance of testing facility  there was Ms.Bereshinkov waiting specially for her.


    "There you are Ms. Hart."


    Elizabeth was very surprised by her teacher.


    "Good morning Ms.Bereshinkov is there anything wrong? Why are you standing here ?"


    "Oh don''t worry it''s nothing wrong but I am afraid that you need to leave your glasses behind."


    After this words Elizabeth day became much worse.


    "Why? I thought that it will be alright if I take them of before my tests like the time when I was candidate."


    Without thinking Elizabeth acted a little rude towards her teacher. When she realized that it was already to late.


    "Haha, you are exactly as William told me.  You know earlier tests were very basic due to high number of candidates but today we want to measure your magic powers accurately so there can''t be any Adamantium in nearest area."


    That makes sens but who was this William guy? She couldn''t talk about her uncle, right?


    "You know my uncle?"


    And once again Elizabeth said something without thinking.


    "Ah yes, we were serving in one unit, I am surprised that he didn''t told you about it. He knew that I will be your teacher, we had even meet and talked about it."


    So, her uncle knew her teacher and more importantly he went out with a women. That topic needs further examination.


    "Ok, Elizabeth leave your glasses to me and will give them back you you after tests. I won''t be present at test so I can hold it for that time."


    Without hesitation Elizabeth took off her glasses and gave them to her teacher. Without glasses aura immediately appeared around her teacher with waves of grey light. So Ms.Bereshinkov had inborn air magic but the thing that catch attention of Elizabeth was prosthetics of Ms.Bereshinkov right hand. It was glowing brightly from psions inside. And once again Elizabeth acted without any tact and was staring at Ms.Bereshinkov.


    "So you can really see psions."


    With astonished look on her face Ms.Bereshinkov was looking at Elizabeth. Realizing her mistake Elizabeth quickly started to apologize her teacher.


    "Oh, I am really sorry but after taking glasses off, I need few seconds to adapt."


    "Do not worry, I am not angry, instead of scolding I will tell you something. It''s thanks to William that I lost only my hand. If he didn''t helped me that time I would be probably dead."


    Her uncle have saved Ms.Bereshinkov life? Elizabeth never heard of this before. And once again she called Elizabeth''s uncle by his name. In her whole life Elizabeth  have never heard women calling her uncle by his name. That was so suspicious that Elizabeth decided to interview her uncle on Sunday dinner.


    "Ok, that''s enough chatting you should hurry up if you don''t want to be late."


    Without any more interruptions Elizabeth has entered the building.


    After walking through entrance and wide corridor, Elizabeth found large room with her whole class gathered in. At beginning she was overwhelmed by auras of her colleagues but after a while she got used to it. Most of her classmates were talking to each other, seeing this Elizabeth decided to start socializing. She noticed that black haired girl who was sitting next to her in classroom, was standing alone. Around her deeply blue aura was gathering. Without hesitation Elizabeth approached black haired girl.


    "Hi, my name is Elizabeth we are sitting next to each other in classroom."


    Girl looked at Elizabeth.


    "Hi, you can call me Natasha."


    And that''s where Elizabeth "make friends" failed because she didn''t have any idea how to begin conversation. After staring for few seconds black haired girl broke the silence.


    "You are not wearing glasses."


    It didn''t sounded like a question but Elizabeth felt obligated to answer.


    " Ms.Bereshinkov took them from me before I have entered this building. There was some Adamantium in them."


    Elizabeth was hoping that she avoid telling about her Psionic vision but Natasha asked obvious question.


    "And , why are you wearing  glasses?"


    "Ehh... you see I have something called Psionic vision. You know, I can see auras and it''s pretty tiring, so I wear glasses."


    Natasha eyes became big and round from surprise.


    "Are you serious ?"


    "Yes."


    With surprised eyes Natasha was staring at Elizabeth but Elizabeth noticed that deep blue psionic energy started gathering over Natasha''s head. While she looked at sphere of whirling energy, Natasha opened her mouth.


    "Holy shit, you serious can see it."


    Sphere of Psionic energy seemed to be test for Elizabeth. It was pretty clever and Elizabeth was impressed how well her new classmate was controlling psions. After Natasha was sure that Elizabeth was telling the truth she released gathered energy. After she has done that, they heard loud yell from other side of room.


    "Who have used magic second ago?"


    A short figure appeared between machines used to tests.


    "I have spend half an hour on calibrating those things and you just casually use magic in this room. Don''t you see signs all over the place?"


    Short man with incredibly bright hairs and short beard started to scold students.


    "Who used magic ? Tell me who wasted 30 minutes of my precious time. And you better got good excuse."


    Rather funny than dangerous, little man was yelling at students.


    "I am sorry profesor Hipkins, I did it."


    Natasha confessed to this stranger person.


    "Oho, we found criminal. And why you did it."


    Apparently Natasha decided that her relationship with acquaintance with Elizabeth isn''t that good and she simply sold her to profesor Hipkins.


    " I am sorry profesor but Elizabeth told me that she got Psionic vision and I had to check it."


    With little grin on her face, Natasha looked at Elizabeth. She  the only one, after hearing about Psionic vision whole class started to glare at Elizabeth.


    "Dear God, is that true?"


    With little disbelief in his voice, profesor Hipkins asked Elizabeth.


    "Yes."


    With glances from whole class on her she could only confirm.


    "I see, you got very rare taken young lady, it seems to that new year isn''t as boring as I thought. Alright give me ten more minutes and we can start our tests."


    After that profesor disappeared behind machines once again. Natasha with wide grin spoked to Elizabeth.


    "Uff, that was close. My elder told me that he can be serious pain in the ass, if you anger him."


    "Natasha, tell me something, have you thought about asking me, before you told everybody about my Psionic vision?"


    " Oh come on, it''s not such a big deal and there is no point in worrying about something which already happened. You better put smile on your pretty face, whole class is looking at you."


    Natasha was right, Elizabeth has cached attention of her classmates and it made her feel really awkward. Nobody was staring directly on her but she noticed many quick glances. Fortunately profesor Hipkins has ended calibration of tests devices.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Magic power or ability to emit and control psions was growing  with body of magicians. So 15 years old students were about to reach a peak of their possibilities. Elizabeth knew that her magic power will be slightly lower than others and because of that she needed help of her uncle to get the spot in academy. It wasn''t much problem when she was only candidate and tests were taking place in private rooms but before whole class she felt little bad about that. Of course her power was lower than her classmates but on the whole country scale she could be called as a magical genius. At the test she took earlier on summer her power could be described as a peak of B-class, what was great achievement for only fifteen years old girl.


    As expected her classmates were all A-class magicians, of course there were many differences between them. For example twin blond  girls were in medium areas of A-class and Carl Rosen, son of the commander of Holy Knights Order got highest magic score yet, peak of A-class. It was possible for him to control psions almost 2 kilometers away. Of course with range the amount of psions that he could control was decreasing but it was expected for all magicians. In addition to power levels Elizabeth was getting to know their inborn magic types. With auras color she was able to guess perfectly what kind of magic was given to her classmates. Carl Rosen got red fiery aura, twins auras were gold which described rare inborn talent to manipulate with metallic substances. Her new friend, Natasha got blue aura which is normal for magicians with power to control water and other fluids. There were also few grey wind auras and yellow type. Gold and yellow types are pretty similar but yellow instead of controlling metals could only control solid rocks and stones. One girl has bright pink aura which is connected to telekinesis type of magic. Rest of class got blue or red auras.


    When professor Hipkins have read her name out loud she walked  to testing device.


    "Oho Elizabeth Hart, lets if what if there is something more than eyes in you. Place your hands and use your full power on that sphere before you."


    Elizabeth didn''t pay any attention to little rude words from professor Hipkins and placed her hands on platform. With all her might she focused on sphere placed before her eyes and released psions. Differently form using magic there was no other effects, only feeling of something sucking her power. All gets took only few seconds but Elizabeth was exhausted by huge amount that magic she used. Heavily breathing she looked at small figure of profesor Hipkins.


    "Not bad, not bad. It''s only very early stage of A-class but addition of you Psionic vision makes you a valuable magicians."


    A-class? Elizabeth was rather surprised with her result. With happy face she wanted to walk away from testing device when professor Hipkins asked for next person.


    "Next Theodor Svensson!"


    Elizabeth didn''t saw this guy earlier in this room, maybe he was sitting behind crowd but something was strange about this guy. I took two seconds for Elizabeth to realize what was wrong, she couldn''t saw his aura. In the past, every person with even smallest amount of magic power was covers with light of aura. But there wasn''t even a slightest sign of magic around his body. While staring with open mouth at this strange guy, Elizabeth realized how stupid she looked. With embarrassed look on her face she came back to Natasha''s side.


    "Hey Elizabeth, why did you looked at this Theodor guy with strange such a gaze?"


    For a moment Elizabeth wanted to tell about Theodors aura but she decided to keep it secret.


    "It''s nothing, I just have remembered something important."


    With disbelief on her face it was obvious that Natasha didn''t believed in Elizabeth''s words. She wanted to ask her again but loud yell came form direction of testing devices.


    "Oh my God!"


    Whole class started to looking at profesor Hipkins.


    "Magnificent, this year can be very exiting. Not only we got Psionic vision but S-class student to."


    With strange look on his face profesor Hipkins has left the room. Elizabeth and her new classmates were stunned. S-rank magician in their class, that was unexpected. With little grin on his face, Theodor headed out to the exit in silence. When he left the room people stared whispering.


    Elizabeth didn''t knew what to think about it. Such a weird guy comes to Holy Spirit Academy, he says that he likes to read fiction and the next day it runs out that he is S-class magician without aura. She was deep in her thoughts when, Natasha''s voice brought her up to reality.


    "Hey Elizabeth, let''s find something to eat. We have plenty of time before Ms.Bereshinkov lesson."


    After Elizabeth agreed to Natasha''s proposition, they headed out to cafeteria. When they came back to their classroom Ms.Bereshinkov wasn''t there but Elizabeth found  glasses on on her desk. The sit behind her was still empty but when she sat down on her chair, things started to getting even weirded. Twins sitting on places before her and Natasha immediately turned back and started talking.


    "Hey you are Elizabeth Hart right? My name is Clair Schwarz."


    "And my name is Diana."


    "Our father told us to ask if you want to work for his company."


    "Of course it hasn''t to be right know."


    "But it could be if you want."


    "He proposed you to work for him after you graduate this academy."


    "So, what do you think? Our company could make seriously use your rare talent and salary is great."


    "Sounds good, isn''t it?"


    With dumbfounded look on her face Elizabeth was flooded with words from twins. She tried to find some help form Natasha side, but she was just sitting there and trying to not to laugh. Apparently Diana''s and Clair''s father was CEO of the biggest company manufacturing devices for magicians. Even Elizabeth''s device  was made by Schwarz Company. It was almost military grade device  which she got from her uncle. It looked like a little wide bracelet and it was letting her use other types of magic.


    "I am grateful to your father for this proposition but I don''t look for work right now."


    "You see Clair? I told you and father that it wont work if we ask her so straight forward."


    "Ech.. So don''t want to work for us, father won''t be pleased."


    Seeing their worried faces, Elizabeth decided that it maybe a good idea to left some path open if anything goes wrong.


    "Girls, I didn''t told you that I don''t work for your company. I just said that now, I don''t need any job. You can assure your father that in future, if I will be looking for job, Schwarz Company will be first on my list."


    Twins couldn''t react to Elizabeth words because they weren''t paying attention to her anymore. Everything was caused by entrance of two persons. One of them was Ms.Bereshinkov and second one was Theodor Svensson. Elizabeth was wandering why everybody act so awkward around him, it was true that S-class magicians are truly rare cases but their are all A-class. Seriously, for some ordinary human, all of students in this classroom were monsters. When Theodor has sat down on his place Ms.Bereshinkov started her lesson.


    It took almost two hours for Ms.Bereshinkov to explain all rules of Holy Spirit Academy. After that all of students were free. Elizabeth decided that she will visit library. As a student of Holy Spirit Academy she got access to some publications restricted for normal people. Library  was located near the main building. It was another modern facility full of glass and steel. Library was divided by two sections one with paper copies of books and one equipped only in computers. Elizabeth''s goal was to find some more documents about use of magic in medicine and maybe something more about her parents research. Unfortunately with her parents death most of their data got lost. Everything what was left was only early stages of their research. Elizabeth decided that she will try search traditional book section. When she described what she was looking for to librarian. She was surprised when she was told that all publications that were fitting her description were rented. Librarian advised her to check reading room because person who took books, often use it. When Elizabeth has entered reading too she was surprised with view. It was ordinary room filled with chairs and desks but actually nice looking place with sofas and armchairs. Of course there were some tables to work but most of room were filled with comfortable pieces of furniture. There was only one person, reading on one of sofas with pile of books next to him. It was one of her classmates, that weird guy Theodor Svensson. Elizabeth got serious problem with deciding what to do. After a while she decided that this could be counted as a part of "socializing with new people" plan but to be honest, she was insanely curious why, guy like him is reading books about such a topic. When she approached sofa which he was laying on, he finally noticed Elizabeth. With little grin on his face, he sat correctly and greeted Elizabeth.


    "You must be Elizabeth, right?"


    "Yes, I am and you must be Theodor?"


    "You are correct."


    Grin on his face was getting wider with every word. Elizabeth was wandering why all her introductions were so strange. First was Natasha, next those company twins and now this guy.


    "So Elizabeth why are you here?"


    Seeing that Elizabeth wasn''t good in communicating with people Theodor started conversation.


    "I was looking for some  about medicine and magic when librarian told me that all of them were rented by someone. He advised me to look for this person in reading room and you are only one here."


    "I am afraid that librarian was right, as you can see, I got books which you wanted. But don''t be sad about this I got everything I wanted you can take them."


    Elizabeth was little surprised, he wasn''t here for a long time.


    "So what was you looking for?"


    As always she said first before she thought about it. Fortunately Theodor wasn''t bothered by her tactless question and only started to laugh loudly.


    "Haha, I guess I should tell you. Since yesterday I was wandering where I heard Hart family name before. And that magical medicine I was very curious. So your parents were pioneers in this topic?"


    Elizabeth was feeling awkward. It was almost like he was stalking her. In that moment she wanted to end this conversation quickly.


    "Yes they were. So I can take this books? I got something more to do today and I need to get going."


    "Ah yes, I will tell librarian that you rented them. It was nice to meet you Elizabeth. See you tomorrow."


    And with wide smile on his face, Theodor Svensson has left the room. Elizabeth didn''t wanted to meet this guy on her way to dormitory so she hurried up and left library building. It was lie that she have something to do this afternoon but with those books she found herself some work. When she arrived to the dormitory, she found some package for her in dormitory keeper. When she unpacked it in her room, it turned out that was present from her uncle. He bought for her weapon for her Magical Swordsmanship lessons. Hidden in elegant sheath was curved blade with one cutting edge. Letter form her uncle said that it was replica of 17th century saber called karabela which was used by polish nobility at that time. With beautiful design on its handle and it''s light weight, Elizabeth fall in love with her saber.


    Elizabeth spend the rest of a day on reading books which she brought with her from library but there wasn''t anything she didn''t know earlier, in them. With little disappointment she  went to sleep thinking  about tomorrow and her first Swordsmanship lesson. She couldn''t wait to try her new weapon.

 Magical Swodsmanship

    Elizabeth didn''t know how she end up in situation like this. She was standing in the middle of small academic stadium with her saber in hand. Her combat uniform was soaked with sweat and her breathing was fastened. Before her was standing the only one S-class student in Holy Spirit Academy. With a wide grin on his face Theodor Svensson was looking at Elizabeth with his steel colored eyes. It wasn''t only Theodor who was looking at her, it were almost a all students of academy. Once again Elizabeth asks herself how could this happened.


    Everything started  in the morning when Elizabeth and rest of first year students arrived at training arena. Apparently Magical Swordsmanship was the most popular subject and with obligatory military training it was chosen by almost whole year. With her new saber in hands Elizabeth couldn''t wait to test it in fight. It wasn''t like she was experienced fighter, she only got 7 days of basic training with close friend of her uncle. Colonel William Hart asked best swordsman in Holy Knight Order, major Alfred Brun to teach her a little. Elizabeth had to admit that she enjoyed lesson with major Brun but when she ashes him how is her training going she couldn''t get any answer from him. Only after first day of training her uncle and major Brun had long chat and after that they decide that she will train whole week with major. After that Elizabeth understood that she was terrible student. Even if she thought that  she was a terrible swordsman, she really enjoyed feeling of a sword in her hand. Magical Swordsmanship is very different from normal fencing. It gained so much popularity because it was possible for weaker magician to defeat stronger in swordfight. In close combat difference in power was eliminated. When two magicians are fighting against each other their power not only decide about strength and range of magic attacks but also about  defense. Magician can defend himself by using two methods, directly use psions to create effects that will shield him or he can depend on his natural power only. All magicians in addition to their inborn power have also other ability. While in danger magicians subconsciously use their auras to protect them . In this conditions stronger magician with more power and higher class would always have and advantage over weaker ones but everything changed with discovery of techniques used in Magical Swordsmanship. With blade made partially from Psionium was possible to piece trough aura protection of your opponent, no matter how strong he was, and send harmful energy trough blade. With this revelation battlefield changed and it was more like medieval battles than ones from beginning of the century.


    When all first year students were gathered at the academic stadium, 10 teachers including Ms.Bereshinkov showed up. All of them was standing on the small stage on the one side of stadium. When all students walked up to them one of a teachers take few steps forward and with loud voice started introduction.


    "Hello students, my name is Anthon Ketling and I am head teacher of  swordsmanship,  I am glad that so many of you are here today. It means that you are aware of importance of your combat training. Good, today I and my colleagues will check how good you are and assigned you to groups with similar levels. Unfortunately there is no better do it other then let you fight, so for the while day you will be dueling with each others and so we could see what kind of skills you got. Do not worry about equipment, if you don''t have your own weapons, in academy''s armory you will find all kinds of swords and other blades. For now I want you to divide in three groups. In the first group on my left side I want to see only persons who have never wield sword before and those who know basics but are not confident in their skills. Second group on the middle will be for those who know how to fight already and the last one to my right is only for those who are truly  confident in their skill."


    Professor Ketling  speech created more commotion than teachers would expected but after 15 minutes three groups of students were created. Surprisingly the biggest group was middle one. Elizabeth wasn''t sure if she was good enough for middle group so she decided to stay with beginners. After all she was here to learn, not to show off. Elizabeth was happen when she noticed that Ms.Bereshinkov was heading to her group. She wasn''t so happy when she saw angry look on her teacher face.


    "Elizabeth can you tell me what are you doing in this group?"


    Ms.Bereshinkov words made Elizabeth even more confused.


    " I don''t understand why you asking me about this, teacher."


    Elizabeth tried to stay cool and to not say something inappropriate.


    " I had only training with sword for only one week before."


    "And that''s why you should change your group."


    Elizabeth didn''t wanted to argue with her teacher, so without any other objection she moved to the middle group. With huge surprise she got another scolding.


    "Elizabeth Hart! Apparently I was wrong about you. Are you trying to make fun of me?"


    With seriously angered look on her face Ms.Bereshinkov yelled on Elizabeth. While being yelled at, Elizabeth couldn''t stand it anymore. Ok, she maybe little cowardly pocked first group but what the hell Ms.Bereshinkov wants from her now?


    "What you want from me, I had already changed group as you ordered me!"


    With high voice Elizabeth yelled back on her teacher before she thought about it. With true fury in her eyes Ms.Bereshinkov walked up to Elizabeth but she wasn''t able to do anything more because loud voice stopped her.


    "Katia what are you doing? What is this commotion about?"


    High figure of professor Ketling appeared from behind. Ms.Bereshinkov immediately turned around and has started explanations.


    "This little missy here is niece of William Hart.  I have told about her before. Imagine that she wanted to join beginners group at first place and now she tried to train with middle group."


    Look on Ketling face changed in a bad way.


    "I see... So this little missy wants to Billie her fellow students a little. Seriously that''s disappointing that apprentice of such a great swordsman as Alfred Brun act like this."


    Elizabeth once again couldn''t stand false accusations. With her temper raging inside her,  she yelled.


    "I don''t know what are you talking about and I am not someone''s apprentice. It''s true that my uncle asked major Brun to teach me but it was only one week and he and my uncle wasn''t happy about my results."


    With fast breath and rage in her eyes she was standing before her teachers. Other students standing around them had surprised looks on their faces and Elizabeth was guessing that nobody saw when student was yelling at teachers like this before. After few second Ms.Bereshinkov asked one question.


    "Elizabeth, have you fought with anyone except major Brun before?"


    " No, even my uncle said that he don''t want to fight me. I guess there was no point in such a duel, he didn''t wanted me to lose badly."


    After she said that something unexpected happens. Ms.Bereshinkov only managed to make perfectly acted facepalm and professor Ketling started to laugh really loudly.


    "Hahah this is the best joke I have heard since a long time. Hahah."


    Other students were stunned, couldn''t understand what was happening.


    "Your uncle is moron. I can''t even imagine what would happened if you fought with a beginner. I am sorry for before Elizabeth, this whole misunderstanding is your uncle fault. But don''t worry I will make him pay for this."


    Elizabeth started wandering what kind of relationship has her uncle with that women. Sunday interrogation was unavoidable.


    "Haha... Little missy you have to understand few things. Firstly your uncle didn''t wanted to fight with you because he would end up beaten badly. Another thing is that Alfred Brun is the best swordsman in our country but he got problem with teaching others. Until now he  only got few students and they were send off by Brun after only one day. And all of them were talented swordsmen."


    Seeing how confused Elizabeth was, Ms.Bereshinkov put her hand on her arm and started to explain even further.


    "Major Brun trained you for whole week and we are sure it wasn''t only because he and your uncle are close friends. Moreover William told me that you got amazing talent and you should train with best students. I guess everything would be simple if he told you about it. I don''t know what he was thinking."


    Elizabeth was still a little confused by this situation but she felt better when everything became clear.


    "Come Elizabeth, we will find you an opponent so you can finally understand your own potential."


    Elizabeth noticed that awkwardness of this situation reached new level. Her little argument, all this yells and laugh of professor Ketling cached attention of all students gathered at stadium. Elizabeth tried to not be bothered by stares of students, but it was hard to forget all those strange looks. Elizabeth understood that all chances for normal highschool experience was lost.


    After commotion caused by Elizabeth was ended main part of qualifications could be started. Every student was obligated to have at least two duels but it wasn''t banned to fight few more. Nobody was surprised by such a high amount of duels. Magical swordfights were very fast and in this case in order to win one of fighters had to only break trough opponents aura barrier. Every fight was guarded by two teachers to be sure that students  wont harm themselves. Like Ms.Berensinkov said they found an opponent for Elizabeth. It was boy from other class that Elizabeth has never meet before. Seeing how nervous Elizabeth became professor Ketling tried to calm her down a little.


    "Hey little missy, don''t worry there is nothing dangerous about this duels. We are here to make sure that all of you are safe."


    Elizabeth decided to trust her teachers. She took her saber and walked to one of five arenas located on stadium. When she was ready to start duel with her opponent before her, she has heard Ms.Beresinkov saying something to her.


    "Elizabeth don''t you forget about something ?"


    With confused look on her face Elizabeth couldn''t figured out what her teacher wanted from her.


    "Your glasses, take it off and give it to me."


    Elizabeth have done what Ms.Bereshinkov told her and took her glasses off. Immediately her vision was flooded with auras of other students and it took her few seconds o adapt. She left her glasses to Ms.Bereshinkov and once again stood before her oponent. Without glasses she could clearly see that he was magician with fire type inborn magic. With her saber in a right hand she took a stance which she have learned from colonel Brun. With steady breathing she remembered all of her lessons and prepared  magic.


    "Ok, both of you are ready know. I will start countdown. Three, two, one, gooo!"


    With such a simple way, Elizabeth''s first duel has started.


    There were almost unlimited number of ways to use magic but only few that could improve magician movements. Unfortunately there wasn''t magic that could enhance movements or body of user directly but with a little of practice magician could use it to propel his body. It was hard to use it with complicated moves but simple boost in one direction was easy. Boy standing few meters before Elizabeth used that kind of magic. Within blink of an eye he jumped forward with his sword raised before him. Unfortunately Elizabeth was born with air magic. Unfortunately for him she got her psionic vision. Before her opponent used his magic, she could saw psions gathering around his feet. Without any hesitation and without using device on her left hand she propelled her body in her opponent direction. Since her youngest years, using  air magic was as natural for her as moving her hands or legs, so her movements were very smooth. Students watching this duel form the side were astonished by here movements. With all lessons from colonel Brun in her mind she raised her saber, not to block her opponent blade but to strike him. Psions whirling around her limbs gave her unnatural speed by using air and her enhanced vision helped to predict enemy movements. When distance between her and boy in front of her decreased to around 2 meters,  Elizabeth like a leaf on the wind dodged her opponent blade with pirouette and stroke him with her blade filled with psions. After that fight was over.


    Elizabeth was staring at the boy laying before her about 3 meters away. The power of her strike made him fly backwards a little bit. She couldn''t believe how slow he was, in comprehension to colonel Brun, he was like a turtle. And he was supposed to be in group of the best students in a  first year. Elizabeth finally understood what were her teachers talking about. It seemed like she was kind of  talented in Magical Swordsmanship and  she had realized it right now. With wide grin or her face she looked at students who were watching her fight. What she saw, made her even more awkward the little argument with teachers before. Most of students gathered around arena, where she was fighting, were literally jaw dropped. Professor Ketling who was standing behind her opponent in order to protect him, was staring at her like she was some alien creature. The strange silence would last much longer but Ms.Bereshinkov voice  came form behind Elizabeth''s back.


    "Winner Elizabeth Hart, duel time... about one second. Ok, next pair on the arena, we don''t have all day. "


    Elizabeth had left arena as fast as possible but strange glares didn''t end. She was thinking about hiding somewhere when familiar face appeared before her eyes. Without even smallest greeting Natasha started to ask questions.


    "How did you do that?"


    Elizabeth was truly annoyed with Natasha behavior and  returned her question.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there."Do what?"


    Like a day before, Natasha started staring at her without saying a word. Elizabeth was seriously thinking that this girl got some problems. After a few seconds she asked again.


    ¡°How could you use magic to move like before, when you fought a duel.¡±


    Apparently Natasha thought that her question was a problem, not her manners. Elizabeth didn¡¯t wanted to play with her friend anymore, so she just answered.


    ¡°It was my inborn magic. As long as I remember, could use air to fasten my movement.¡±


    Another few seconds of silence. Elizabeth couldn¡¯t understand this girl at all, she expected another question from Natasha but she was wrong.


    ¡°Come with me, we will fight.¡±


    Elizabeth was so confused that she didn¡¯t even oppose. Ms.Bereshinkov with strange smile on her face took them to arena. In a blink of an eye Elizabeth was standing with her saber raised in her hand. Before her, Natasha was wielding rapier in her right hand and dagger in her left. Elisabeth started to have doubts if this duel was a good idea. But there was no more time for such a thoughts because Ms.Bereshinkov already started her countdown.


    ¡°Ok, you girls are ready. Three, two, one, goo!¡±


    It was totally different from fight before. Both of them were standing without any move, just looking at each other, but Elizabeth hot temper showed up once more. Without waiting for Natasha move, she used her magic and charged.


    Natasha stayed calm, when Elizabeth approached her with high speed, she used her rapier to parry Elizabeth''s saber. With earlier prepared magic she thrusted her dagger in Elizabeth''s chest with full force. From her earlier years Natasha was trained to fight like this. Together with her older siblings she was supposed to became high ranks within military. Death of her parents in magic explosion five years ago made her even more determined. Even before this duel she was sure that it will be easy win, Elizabeth movements were truly amazing but she was lacking in experience. Natasha was so sure about ending this duel in one thrust that when her hit missed, she lost her balance and composure. She was barely able to parry next swing from Elizabeth.  Natasha still confused by mysterious dodge from Elizabeth, could only exchange hits with her.


    Air around two fighting girls was vibrating from blades covered in dense psionic auras. Every time blades meet each other, little psionic shockwaves were created. Students were gathering around the arena to watch a fight. For somebody who was watching duel from the side, it could look that girl with rapier and dagger in hands have advantage. Her fighting stance was flawless, movements were sharp and you could feel power coming from her thrusts even on the audience. But girl with saber was keeping up, even if her techniques were somehow inferior to her opponents. Girl with red hair was like dancer, students gathered around arena, have never seen magic like this before. She were using magic to help her body move faster on unbelievable level. She was able to perform twists, pirouettes and dodges in amazing pace. Number of students watching Natasha''s and Elizabeth''s duel were still increasing but girls were to busy with each other to noticed it.


    It was hard. Elizabeth was barely able to keep up with dodging and parrying Natasha''s hits. She knew that she wont last long if nothing will change. Even if that was only her second duel and first with real opponent, she didn''t wanted to lose. Like friend of her uncle teached her, she focused on her advantages. Thanks to her magic she was faster than Natasha and she could see Natasha''s magic improved movements, little earlier because of her psionic vision. Elizabeth noticed something else, since the begging of a duel, Natasha was always parrying Elizabeth''s saber with rapier in her right hand, dagger in her left hand was used only to attack. In that moment plan was created in her mind. She gathered as much psions as was possible to make her movements even faster and when she saw that Natasha was making another thrust, she twisted her body to the right. Natasha''s rapier passed her body by few centimeters. Even if she was surprised by new initiative form Elizabeth, Natasha rises her dagger in order to block incoming saber. Situation was looking good for her because if she managed to block that swing, Elizabeth would be in range of sure rapier strike. Unfortunately, Elizabeth surprised her once again. With her magic used to  full extend, her movements became fast as lightning. With loud sound psionic charged blade cutting trough air, Elizabeth saber passed next to Natasha''s dagger and broke her aura defense.


    When the fight was over, Elizabeth noticed how many students were gathered around arena. She was barely caching her breath but she couldn''t hide a wide smile which appeared on her face. It was second time in that day, when she could taste victory and it felt really good. She was so pride about herself that she even forget about Natasha laying on the ground few meters away. When she tried to approach her in order to help her stand up, Natasha jumped on her legs and disappeared in the crowd. Elizabeth wanted to follow her but someone''s hand grabbed her shoulder, it was Ms.Bereshinkov.


    "Well done Elizabeth, you have truly amazing talent in swordsmanship. Did you liked real duels?"


    Elizabeth filled with excitement after fight didn''t has much problem to answer.


    "Of course, it was so cool. Totally different than training with major Brun."


    "I am glad to hear that. To be honest there is one more duel for you to fight."


    All excitement from earlier disappeared. One more duel ? She was all sweaty and tired, after all that adrenaline and magic her limbs were like made from lead. One of disadvantages of enhancing movements with magic is a lot of extortion on magician body. It''s natural because magic only give additional power to body without strengthening it. Magician has to be careful with this types of magic or else it can have bad effects on its health. With doubt in her eyes Elizabeth asked.


    "I thought we are obligated to fight only two duels. Why do you want me to have one more?"


    "You don''t have yo do anything but there is unwritten tradition to choose best swordsman at the first day. Miss Walden with whom you were fighting before was one of favorites, she is from family with great military tradition. Also her older sister is one of absolvents with great skills in Swordsmanship. So it should be only natural  for you to fight in her place."


    Seeing how helpless was Elizabeth looking, Ms.Bereshinkov gave her little advice.


    "You should fight in next duel, even if you are going to lose. Think about how miss Rosenhause will be feeling if you leave like this."


    It took few seconds for Elizabeth to realize what her teacher was talking about. Natasha must be very disappointed after losing to beginner like her. Elizabeth had no illusions about their fight, her victory was only because her inborn magic and psionic vision. She also understood that, if she leave duels like this, it will be great disgrace for Natasha.


    "Ok I will fight."


    Confidence in her voice made Ms.Bereshinkov smile a little.


    "Very well. To be honest, there should be only  one duel for you."


    "Only one? I thought that there was about 20 other students in this group."


    "Yes, there are a lot of people that haven''t fought with you, but you and miss Walden gave such a show that I don''t think that there is a person willing to duel with you right now."


    "So who will be fighting with me ?"


    "Don''t worry we will find out in a moment."


    When Ms.Bereshinkov ended her sentence loud cheer came form the other side of stadium.


    "Oho, it seems like we have a winner."


    When both of them arrived at arena, Elizabeth saw two familiar faces. Carl Rosen covered in his red fiery aura was laying on ground, next to him Theodor Svensson was standing. The look on Carl face wasn''t as nice as always. With face red from anger and with hateful eyes he was staring at Theodor. Once again Elizabeth couldn''t see any of his aura. Professor Ketling who was standing behind Carl announced.


    " Winner Theodor Svensson"


    Elizabeth quickly realized  thing, she will have to fight against this strange guy. Ms.Bereshinkov didn''t looked happy too.


    "So son of general Rosen has lost, that''s not a good thing."


    She muttered to herself. Without thinking Elizabeth asked.


    "Why is that bad thing?"


    Ms.Bereshinkov quickly gained her composure back.


    "Ah it''s nothing, now you should focus on your next opponent. Come with me."


    Elizabeth followed her to the arena. When both of them entered screened ring, Theodor and Elizabeth''s gazes have meet. First he got surprised look on his face but second later it was replaced by familiar grin. When they approach center they were greeted by professor Ketling and Theodor, Carl Rosen was already gone.


    ¡°Good day Ms.Bereshinkov, hello Elizabeth¡±


    Theodor looked like he was having a great time.


    ¡°Hello again little missy why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious Anthon she is here to fight this boy, she already has fought the youngest of Walden siblings and won.¡±


    ¡°Haha, as expected from Alfred Brun apprentice. Ok, get ready little missy.¡±


    It seemed like professor Ketling was in great mood.


    ¡°Wait a minute Anthon, shouldn¡¯t Mr. Svensson rest a little bit after his previous fight?¡¯


    ¡°So you haven¡¯t seen it? There is no need for him to rest he defeated that Rosen boy with one swing, you should regret that you haven¡¯t been here.¡±


    With rather angry face Ms.Bereshinkov looked at Theodor. They were exchanging stares for few seconds and situation started to becoming awkward. Fortunately professor Ketling reminded them where they were and preparation for duel begun.


    When Elizabeth and Theodor were only one left on the arena, professor Ketling announced begin of the duel. In his right hand Theodor was wielding rapier similar to one that Natasha had, but his left hand was unarmed. This time Elizabeth didn¡¯t rushed to her opponent like two times before. She was aware that someone who defeated son of Commander of Holy Knights Order, have to be skilled fighter. This time their duel started with slow shy exchanges from both sides. With every thrust both of them were moving faster and faster. Elizabeth had to remind herself all lessons with colonel Brun. It was hard, very hard but most surprising thing for Elizabeth was that Theodor still wasn¡¯t emitting any psions. Speed of fight were far beyond normal people capabilities. Around her own body was swirling layer of psions powering her magic but around Theodor there was still nothing. He didn¡¯t even use his device to cast magic, so if he was using any of it, it has to be his inborn one. Elizabeth already knew that she want be able to win this fight but she decided that if she have to lose she, will definitely find out what his aura is looking. With strong burst of magic she jumped back a little to create more distance between her and Theodor. She had a plan, if she somehow manage to use some magic on him, his aura should defend him from it. Using magic other then movement enhancement magic wasn''t banned from swordsmanship duels because it was highly ineffective. First of all, magic to have any effect on enemy have to break trough aura defense which is really hard if your opponent is stronger than you. Second reason is that every magic which isn''t inborn magic needs to be casted trough device so it takes too much time. In Magical Swordsmanship only time when you can prepare magic is before the fight and after activating magician only use psions to control effects. Inborn magic is little different, it is much simpler and faster that magic casted with device, thanks to that Elizabeth could move so fluently.


    After Elizabeth created some distance between her and Theodor, duel stopped for a short moment. Both of them were staring in  each others eyes. The pressure between fighters was so great that even crowd of students gathered around arena remained silent. Elizabeth took long breath and charged at Theodor. Her goal was to shoot a little ball of compressed air from shortest range possible. She started to exchange hits on even faster pace than before. With every move of her saber she was closer and closer to her opponent. When she looked at Theodor''s face she  again saw that wide grin. So she is fighting with all her might and this guys I making fun of it? With furious eyes decided that it''s time. She sliced horizontally with her saber and twisted her body to the right. She send psions to her left hand and with long arc send ball of compressed air to his chest. Elizabeth already felt that something is wrong, here saber didn''t meet any resistance and her balance was disturbed. But it was to late to be worried about it. She was already focused at the center of Theodor''s chest where her compressed air should hit. And finally when it was about 10cm close to Theodor''s body she saw it. A white light covered his chest and neutralized her magic. Elizabeth felt about it even worse than before because she didn''t know any inborn magic with white colored aura. Unfortunately she hadn''t time to think about it because when she looked up, she saw Theodor''s rapier swinging in direction on her head. Because she made full twist with disturbed balance and managed to do something so unexpected as casting range magic in close combat, the swing directed on her chest was  on level, where her head was. But there was no point in further analyzing her situation because she saw white light once again. The only difference was that light was caused by Theodor''s rapier and after it, darkness came.

 Why everything feels so awkward?

    When Elizabeth woke up it was already evening, setting sun could be seen trough the window. She wasn''t laying in her room, everything around her was in white and grey colors. Elizabeth assumed that she was taken to infirmary. Her hand automatically reached small table on the right in order to find her glasses.


    "Are you looking for those?"


    Ms.Bereshinkov was sitting on the chair to her right with Elizabeth''s glasses in her hands. Elizabeth took them from her teacher and  wear them. Grey aura of Ms.Bereshinkov disappeared.


    "So how you feeling Elizabeth?"


    Elizabeth spend few seconds to do little inspection of her body. Everything seemed alright, only her head hurt badly.


    " Head hurts a lot."


    "It''s not surprising, you took quite big hit. I don''t understand how could this happened. You were fighting so well for the whole time but that last move felt so wrong."


    Elizabeth didn''t know what to say, she couldn''t just told her teacher that she wanted to saw Theodor''s aura. Seeing how troubled Elizabeth was Ms.Bereshinkov decided to change topic.


    "Lets say it was lack of experience, but don''t worry, before end of a year we will be excellent swordsman."


    Elizabeth didn''t now if she was supposed to laugh or cry. To her Ms.Bereshinkov promise sounded more like threat.


    "Ok, I will go and find a doctor, he will give you some painkillers and after that I will walk you to the dormitory."


    After Ms.Bereshinkov walked out, Elizabeth was left in silence. She was watching setting sun trough the window on her left when she heard someone''s voice in her room.


    "You look terrible."


    Next to an opened door, Theodor Svensson was standing. Like always Elizabeth didn''t heard when he entered the room. When he saw that Elizabeth looked at him, wide smile appeared on his face.


    "Thank you for compliment."


    With her head hurting badly, Elizabeth wasn''t in the mood go chat.


    "To what do I owe the pleasure of you visiting me?"


    "Oh, why are you so sarcastic. Couldn''t I  visit ill classmate?"


    Apparently he was having great time teasing Elizabeth like that. Unfortunately she wasn''t enjoying their talk like he was.


    "Oh cut it out Theodor. I am not in the mood to play with you. Let me remind you, I was knocked out in duel. Moreover it was you, who defeated me, so tell me what do you want from me?"


    Smile on Theodor''s face faded slightly when she heard sharp words.


    "I was just curious."


    And he became silent. Elizabeth felt like her blood started to burning. If he will talk like this, things may end up badly.


    "Curious about what?!?"


    "Why did you lose for purpose?"


    Ok, now it was done, Elizabeth was furious.


    "Firstly, you beat me up. Next, you came to infirmary to tease me and now you are saying that I lost a duel for purpose!?! Have you thought about that, if I wanted to lose, could do it in much less painful way?"


    "So you didn''t wanted to lose?"


    "Of course not!"


    "So why did you use that air magic against me?"


    Elizabeth became silent, she didn''t expected him to notice that she used magic.


    "I had my own reasons."


    With curious look on his face, was obvious that he wanted to ask more questions but he was distracted by something.


    "It seems that Ms.Bereshinkov will be back with a doctor in a minute. I guess it''s time to say goodbye. I hope we will have such a nice chat in the future."


    Without giving any chances to Elizabeth to say something, he left the room. After a minute both, Ms.Bereshinkov and doctor appeared in a door. Luckily doktor Richardson didn''t have any objections about my health. He only gave me this me painkillers and told that after couple hours of sleep, pain should fade.


    While escorted by Ms.Bereshinkov to her dormitory, Elizabeth decided that it was perfect moment to ask her what kind of relationship she got with Elizabeth''s uncle. She was so curious that she was ready to risk a harsh question.


    "So Ms.Bereshinkov, what is between you and my uncle?"


    After such a tough day, Elizabeth didn''t even tried to be gentle. After hearing that question Ms.Bereshinkov has lost her composure.


    "Ehh...?? How did you know about it?"


    Saying that Elizabeth was surprised was a great understatement. She needed a few seconds to overcome a shock. First of all reaction of her teacher was totally unexpected. Ex-soldier in her twenties acted like a highschool girl. Another thing was how easily he sold her and Elizabeth''s uncle, one bitter thought came to Elizabeth, everybody have their own weaknesses. Last  and most important thing that left Elizabeth jaw dropped, was that her uncle was seriously dating someone. Elizabeth was seriously angry, not at her uncle but at herself. How could she didn''t noticed such a important thing. Thinking how unobservant she was one more question came to her mind.


    "How long you are dating?"


    It wasn''t day of polite speech and good manners. Seeing how Elizabeth was acting Ms.Bereshinkov could only answer her question.


    "About half a year. After my retirement we haven''t see each other for the long time but about half a year ago that was that gathering of our old unit and we had a great time together and it somehow happened that we started to dating."


    Elizabeth thought that love life was really her soft spot, even her manner of speaking changed a lot when she was taking about dates. But another information which shocked Elizabeth again was, half a year!?! How that could happened. When she thought about it, about that time her uncle started to use nicer cologne and he got more overtime hours. Elizabeth didn¡¯t have any more questions and Ms.Bereshinkov was to embarrassed to say anything so awkward silence hang in air, for the whole time of their travel to Elizabeth¡¯s dormitory. When Ms.Bereshinkov was about to leave Elizabeth at the entrance, one wild idea appeared in E¡±lizabeth¡¯s mind.


    ¡°This Sunday, dinner at my uncle house, 5pm, your presence is obligatory.¡±


    Elizabeth decided that there is no point in being polite now. Ms.Bereshinkov was little resentful by her manner of speech but after few seconds of consideration she agreed with a quick nod.


    ¡°And don¡¯t tell my uncle that you are coming.¡±


    Without waiting for her answer Elizabeth turned around and entered dormitory building.


    ***


    Like doctor Richardson said on the next morning there was no trace of pain and Elizabeth felt completely normal. To be honest after taking painkillers she was sleeping like a rock. After morning shower and light breakfast made from toasts, he headed out to academy main building. Her head was still filled with memories of events from day before but her goal for this day was clear, she need to talk to Natasha. Elizabeth couldn''t afford to lose first somehow friendly person in new school. Of course, there were twins who, seemed rather nice if you forget about their way of speaking and job offers. There was also Theodor but Elizabeth classified him as a first class weirdo. Seriously, Elizabeth couldn''t understand why he was acting in such a way. For her own good Elizabeth decided to forget about other matters and focus on her her relationship with Natasha.


    When Elizabeth arrived at main academy building, it was still little early. Her first lesson was Psionic Control. This subject was supposed to be mix between research and training activities. With development of Casting Support Devices ability to control psions became the most important. While CSD work was to define the type of phenomenon which will be powered by psions, magicians were responsible for controlling where and with how much power, phenomenon will appear. Inborn magic worked in similar manner with one difference, instead CSD magicians brain was subconsciously defining how psions will be used. That''s why in most cases inborn magic was much stronger than one casted with CSD help. While using CSD magicians have to activate right magic sequences but in inborn magic only thing you need is one thought and of course rare inborn talent.


    While walking trough corridors of academy main building Elizabeth started to feel a little awkward. Everything seemed alright but if she was careful she could noticed a glances from other students. Elizabeth understood those strange behaviors, when saw two second year students watching some video on portable device. To her surprise it was record of her fight with Theodor. Elizabeth felt shivers, when she thought about consequences of that event. Apparently whole Holy Spirit Academy have seen her fights, she didn''t wanted to be "that girl who is good in fighting" type, her goals were totally different. More importantly, she didn''t wanted to be known by all students, she felt bad even thinking about such a possibility. She tried to calm herself down a little, thinking that she is only overreacting but her worries were confirmed when one of older students challenged her for duel in the middle of corridor. Without saying a word she turned around and fled. When she finally arrived before classroom where her psionic control lessons should be taking place, she was in serious state of despair. Elizabeth was almost crying about how her new school life became like this. When she entered classroom or rather quite big facility there was already little crowd of first year students. Unfortunately there were not familiar faces, Elizabeth noticed only few students from her class but she haven''t talked with them before and she remembered names of maybe two of them. The way she was welcomed wasn''t promising to well. There was full overview of different looks, from surprise and even little shock, trough curiosity, to obvious disgust and aversion. Elizabeth wanted to yell something like: "Hello, Elizabeth Hart here, I will be giving autographs after class" but decided that could be not the best idea. Instead she found herself a place in the corner of the room slightly behind  other students. Big room which was serving as a classroom for psionic control was divided into two parts. The first one smaller, with few desks and tables and much bigger second one. Bigger part filled with devices and strange machines similar to ones which were used at magic power tests.   After few minutes of waiting familiar little figure has entered the room. With a wide smile on his face professor Hipkins welcomed students.


    "Welcome dear students, my name is professor Nicodeus Hipkins and I have this pleasure to guide you trough the fascinating world of psionic control. Some of you may think that this subject only purpose is to improve your psionic manipulation abilities. You couldn''t be more wrong. On my lesson you will find out how wide and full of possibilities is world of psions. I am sure that after time spend here you will understand how to control psions better or even, there is such a possibility, you will came up with totally new and unique method of using psionic energy."


    With his face red form emotions little professor has ended his introductions. Elizabeth couldn''t decide if she should cry or laugh but she wasn''t only one all students got rather worried looks on their faces besides one boy. With black hair and big round glasses he was smiling and almost laughing to himself. When she saw him, Elizabeth thought that indeed world of psions is wide and full of surprises. After his small introduction professor Hipkins announced that today he want to check what level of skills all of them have. In order to do this, they were supposed to divide in to pairs. With the best smile, she could manage, on her face, Elizabeth rushed to one of her classmates which name she could remember. Marry, that was her name was quite good looking girl with big round eyes. When Elizabeth asked her to team up, she looked terrified but after moment of hesitation she agreed. When finally all of students got their pairs, professor Hipkins surprised them all, leading them to the door which was hidden behind one of big machines. Nobody expected what they found behind those door, enormous room almost a size of small sports hall. There was no piece of furniture, no single device or machine, just empty space. Seeing surprised looks on their faces professor Hipkins started to laugh in some weird, really weird manner.


    "Hue hue hue, you didn''t expect something like this?"


    Elizabeth couldn''t understand  why he was so smug but it wasn''t something that she thought, she could understood. When professor Hipkins clamed himself enough to speak properly he gave each pair a ball shaped device. After short explanation Elizabeth understood that it was some kind of CSD. Device was designed to fly using hot air propulsion, of course psionic energy was source of power. Exercise which professor Hipkins assigned to them was rather simple, the ball, that''s how he called high-tech device, was supposed to be controlled by both of students in order to pass opponent. To make such a game fair, device was designed to work with power limit, so stronger magician wasn''t able to just break opponents defense with pure power. Everything looked simple but it wasn''t. First problems appeared already after start of exercise, only few persons managed to control fly their balls in the air. Controlling little device was harder than everybody expected and I took almost half an hour for all of students to get some basics of it. When everybody more or less were able to fly their balls time for competition has come. Apparently when both students focused in opposite directions balls were just stopping and falling down. Unfortunately when one of pair tried to use some part psionic power to move it in other direction, second person was taking advantage because it was more energy focused  on other side. After few minutes whole rooms filled with small devices hanging in the air without moving for even inch. Professor Hipkins wasn''t much help, he was only walking next to students and laughing.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it."Hue hue hue, it''s not that easy, is it?"


    Elizabeth wasn''t better than other students. She tried to move her ball slightly in other directions but it end up only with loosing about half meter of distance. Marry wasn''t experimenting, she just keep using psions to propel ball straight in Elizabeth''s direction. When professor Hipkins moved near their pair, he noticed Elizabeth and stood next to her.


    "Miss Hart on my lessons, what a pleasant surprise. But tell me my young student, because this old man can''t understand, why are you wearing those ugly glasses with Adamantium in them?"


    To be honest professor Hipkins wasn''t that old, he was about his forties maybe even thirties, but his manner of speaking and walking made him look older. Elizabeth didn''t know what to say, she wasn''t thinking about her lessons when she was putting her glasses on.


    " Please Ms.Hart, take them off. I believe that such a rare talents like yours, should be used."


    Still focused on propelling a ball, Elizabeth took off her glasses, like professor told her. As always, wave of colors flooded her view for few seconds. When she could see clearly, she was able to notce that Mary''s had fluid type inborn magic. But auras of her classmates wasn''t all that she could see. All students were sending psions to their balls. Psionic ribbons in many colors were filling room.


    "You can see it? Of course you can. Now miss Hart tell me how all of you are using your Psionic energy?"


    Professor Hipkins was so excited that he was almost jumping in place.


    "We are sending psions directly to devices."


    Elizabeth told him what she could see.


    "Exactly, all of you are making this same mistake, you are just powering this balls not controlling them. Do you understand? You need to control them not just give them power in such an ordinary way."


    Elizabeth didn''t know what he was talking about. While thinking about professors'' words she started to manipulate with her psionic energy a little. Maybe this little, weird guy was giving them some advices? Instead of thinking about controlling ball what clearly didn''t mean anything, focused on the way she was transferring psions to the ball. Instead of sending on one stream to the ball she send another one to push it to the right. Of course ball instantly moved few centimeters back in her direction, it also may bed to the right like in the previous attempts but something was different, ball movements were slightly smoother. When she was propelling ball from on energy stream, in two directions, it has jumped rather sharply. Seeing how Elizabeth''s ball was moving, professor Hopkins started cheer enthusiastically.


    "Yes, yes, go further, do not hesitate!"


    Encouraged by professor, Elizabeth went all out and has expanded her aura few meters around her. Others standing next to her could feel her psionic energy trough their own auras.  What Elizabeth has done was slightly different than simply expanding her aura in order to detect other magicians, instead of sending a little bit of psions around, she created area filled with psions as dense as her aura in normal state. With psions filling air around, her vision became little foggy, colored in grey. When she got used to this new state, Elizabeth focused on ball once more. Now when little device was whole in her psionic aura she understood, words about control from professor Hipkins. Full of confidence she changed direction of ball. It started to travel on wide arc but it helped Elizabeth to twist it around a little bit. When orientation has changed her opponents energy started to propel in different direction. When Marry noticed what happened, it was already to late. With loud swirling sound ball passed her and stopped two meters behind her.


    "Yes yes yes, can you see now. Look how miss Hart managed to control that little toy."


    Professor Hipkins stared to explain to all students. Elizabeth started to feel awkward once again, because of her rare talent she was in the center of attention.


    " You must understand that in order to control whole magical process and phenomenon which are occurring as an effect, you need to not only transfer energy but also cover it in your psionic sense and feel it. But you have to remember one thing, expanding your auras like this, shouldn''t be used in combat situation. When your aura is expanding more than its normal state, it will loose its protective abilities."


    After that explanation whole rooms filled with auras of students inside it. Elizabeth was feeling, like she ended up in some rainbow dream world. Her vision was changed in to colorful mirage.


    After another hour all students were able to more or less manipulate their flying balls. Elizabeth and rest of students inside the room were tired after constant usage of magic. Fortunately there wasn''t much time left until lessons end. Professor Hipkins was rather pleased with new students performance but didn''t said anything at the end of the class.


    When psionic control class has ended, it was time for lunch break. Elizabeth headed to canteen, she wasn''t that kind of person who brings her lunch to school. She wasn''t expecting that it would be bad decision. During the lunch breaks canteen was flooded with students and commotion about fights from day before, has survived first three hours and was still alive. Elizabeth already got used to uncomfortable glances, she was sure that after a week nobody will remember her. But still this whole situation was awkward, to be honest awkward was perfect word to describe her first few days in Holy Spirit Academy. When she finally has bought her lunch, another challenge appeared, she needed to find a place to sit. Fortunately she immediately noticed two familiar figures waving their hands to her energetically. Clair and Diana Schwarz were sitting next to square table for four people. Two other seats were empty, so Elizabeth gladly joined twins.


    "Hey Elizabeth, or should we call you war maiden like a rest of academy."


    What? Elizabeth was left without words.


    "Haha don''t worry, its a joke."


    "Yeah, nobody is calling like this yet."


    Yet? Elizabeth could only laugh.


    "Haha, very funny, seriously whole school is looking at me, like at some rare animal in zoo. I just wanted to remind you that finally I got beaten."


    "Yes, but before that you one-shoot some military higher-up son and defeated Natasha who was supposed to be favorite."


    "Yes yes, and nobody is blaming you for losing to that Svensson guy, thought he is s-class."


    Elizabeth reminded herself what was her goal for that day.


    "By the way girls, do you know where Natasha is? I need to talk to her badly."


    Ugly looks appeared on Diana''s and Clair''s faces.


    " She is probably  healing wounded pride in her room, we were supposed to have morning lessons together but  she didn''t showed up."


    "Yeah, but most importantly, you haven''t talked to her yet? It looked like you wanted to be friend with her."


    "Don''t blame me, I just wanted to remind you again that I was knocked out yesterday. I have spend half of a day in infirmary."


    Twins looked at each other with surprised faces.


    "But you are living in neighboring rooms in dormitory?"


    Now Elizabeth was shocked. It was true that she didn''t check who was living next to her but she didn''t even suspected that it could be Natasha or one of her classmates. But there was another thing that bothered her.


    "Tell me something girls, how do you know where I live and who my neighbors are?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? We need to be sure that any other company is trying do scout you."


    "Yes yes, we need to care about our future employees. At least our dads said something like that."


    Elizabeth was sure that Mr.Schwarz company wasn''t talking about stalking her but who on knows?


    While they were eating and talking, lunch breaks was almost over. After lunch break Elizabeth together with rest of her class was supposed to have some lessons no related to magic.


    When three girls arrived at classroom, only two students weren''t present. Natasha and Theodor Svensson. Why Elizabeth wasn''t surprised? She couldn''t tell but it felt like skipping first lessons in semester was in his type.


    After three hours of boring subjects, Elizabeth was finally free. She said goodbye to twins and headed out to dormitory. She could hear that her class is going to have some fun together in the city but she got more important things to do. When she arrived before doors next to her room she found out that twins were right on small plate on the door was Natasha''s name. Elizabeth was little hesitating before she knocked. She was welcomed by a silence but after few seconds she could hear someone coughing on the other side. Apparently Natasha was pretending that no one is home but Elizabeth was determined to talk to her.


    "Hey Natasha, it''s Elizabeth. I wanted to talk to you about yesterday. I am sorry that things happened like this and if I offended you somehow, I am really sorry. I still want us to be friends."


    Elizabeth was rather loud but fortunately it was still fairly early so dormitory was almost empty. After few seconds she could hear noise of lock being opened. Natasha has appeared in opened door. Elizabeth could tell that something was wrong her hair was in total mess, face was so pls with light blue color and eyes were bloodshot.


    "Why are you yelling so loud ? And who is offended ?"


    Natasha''s voice was really hoarse.


    "I got some nasty food poisoning and you yelling at my door I the last thing I need."


    Elizabeth was confused.


    "So you are not angry at me?"


    "Hah..." Natasha tired to laugh but she quickly folded in half.


    "Angry about what? Your victory? Wait until I will get better and will teach you how real magical swordsmanship looks like sister."


    "So we are still friends?"


    "Why we shouldn''t be?"


    Elizabeth felt a great relief after Natasha words. Everything turned out to be a misunderstanding. Elizabeth was happy that she wanted to hug Natasha but she didn''t give Elizabeth a chance. With rises hand she said.


    "Don''t even try to come near me. To be honest I will be glad if you leave me. I need rest right now. We should see each other tomorrow at school."


    After this Natasha closed her  door quickly, Elizabeth wanted to offer some help to her but she wasn''t fast enough.


    After she was left alone Elizabeth decided that she will visit library once again. She needed to return those few books she borrowed earlier and check digital database. She couldn''t find anything interesting in normal books but she was hoping that computers will have some information about medicine oriented magic or her parents work. When she was in library, she  didn''t know why but she checked reading room. With almost  disappointment she found out that room was empty.


    When she has ended her research sun was already hidden behind horizon. She completely lost her sens of time. It wasn''t be such a waste if she could found something, but  she didn''t obtained any new information. There was only one thing that made her curious, there were two files that matched  her search tags which she couldn''t open. Apparently her access level wasn''t high enough. Angry and tired Elizabeth returned to her dormitory, she wanted to check on Natasha once more but remembering how she reacted earlier, she just headed out to her room. Elizabeth managed to make some dinner like meal and fall asleep instantly.

 Sunday dinner

    It was friday morning, Elizabeth woke up early in her dormitory room. It was amazing, how lively and full of energy she was every morning, since arrival in Holy Spirit Academy. Still got plenty of time be for school, Elizabeth decided to tak a little walk around academy grounds. Whole complex was rather large, around main building and surrounding it facilities, was wide  green area. Most of it was covered by trees creating big park with benches and wide gravel paths. Elizabeth left her dormitory and after short walk she  disappeared between trees. Atmosphere around her drastically changed after she entered a park. Buildings and academy facilities were hidden behind thick layer of leaves, Elizabeth felt like she has entered a different world. Surroundings were quiet and peaceful, sounds of nature were disturbed only by her steps on gravel path. After walking for 10 minutes path that was writhing between trees became straight. Surprised by sudden change Elizabeth became curious where it could lead her. It was long before she found out the answer. At the end of stone pavement was wide clearing with little church in the center. Elizabeth was amazed with the view. Overgrowth with creepers and ivy, with copper roof, covered by patina, church looked like it grown itself from the ground. When Elizabeth walked closer, she could notice places where stained glass windows were sending reflections of morning sun trough the thick layer of leaves. Wide front doors, in contrast to the rest of the building were looking almost like a new one, clear without any wines and painted black. With little hesitation, Elizabeth pushed one side of a door, without any sound it opened. Insides of church were even more amazing. Rows of old wooden benches, altar, everything was covered by dim light, which was entering to the church by little breaks in wines covering windows. Mesmerized by view and atmosphere Elizabeth almost didn''t noticed lone figure sitting in the first row of benches. Kneeling with his head lowered, young priest was praying in silence. Elizabeth didn''t wanted to disturbed him, she just sat in the last row and started to prey.


    Elizabeth was believing person, she wasn''t present in church too regularly but she always found time to pray. It wasn''t always like this, before her parents death, when she was just a kid, she didn''t paid much attention to religion. Sometimes she visited church with her mother for the Sunday mass but that was all. After her parents were no longer with her she a lot of things have changed. Elizabeth started to pray, firstly she just wanted her parents back but with time her prayers became very important to her. She was full of sorrow and grief, she needed someone to talk, someone to share her pain with, so she prayed with all her heart. She was just talking about how she was feeling, about her fears, wishes, regrets and the faith that God is there somewhere, listening made her feel better.


    While praying Elizabeth was reminding all events from past few days. She released all her fears, moments of joy and confusion. She shared her worries and her wishes. It was only few days but very intense ones  so she needed this few minutes badly. When Elizabeth ended, she felt a lot better, like a lot of weight was taken from her arms. She was so focused, that she didn''t even noticed when young priest who was praying earlier, sat next to her. When she opened her eyes he started to speak.


    "Beautiful place, isn''t it? I have heard that people feel closer to God when they pray in this church."


    Elizabeth only managed to give him a small nod still little surprised.


    "My name is August Collins. It''s unusual to meet students here and even more unusual this early in the morning."


    Seeing how father August was looking at here Elizabeth felt obligated to explain.


    "I just woke up too early and decided to take a little walk. I didn''t know that there is such a place."


    "It''s not a surprise that you haven''t heard about this place. As you can see, this church it''s in rather shameful state right know."


    Elizabeth felt a little sadness in his voice. She wanted to say something, but nothing came to her mind, so they just sat there in silence. Elizabeth didn''t know how much time have passed, she was mesmerized by atmosphere in that forgotten church. Suddenly young priest spoke once again.


    "Miss Hart, I don''t want to disturb you but you should probably hurry up, if you don''t want to be late for your classes."


    Elizabeth jumped out of her place like a spring, said quick goodbye and run trough church doors. When she was outside she realized one thing, she didn''t introduce herself but father August knew  her last name. She wanted to turn back and ask him about it but she seriously didn''t have much time.


    Elizabeth run trough the park and everything would be alright but when stone pavement ended, she stopped. Unfortunately her field orientation wasn''t as good as she wanted. Before her where three gravel paths, looking exactly like the one which guided Elizabeth there. There were no signs and thick layer of leaves made her unable to see anything that could guide her back to academy. When Elizabeth were almost ready to fall in to despair, she heard voice behind her.


    "You look troubled."


    Scared and surprised, Elizabeth jumped in place. When she turned around she could see familiar smile. Theodor Svensson was standing few meters away on stone pavement. Looks on his face told Elizabeth that he had great fun watching her lost in the park.


    "Please, correct me of I am wrong but you look like lost."


    Elizabeth felt that she was blushing from embarrassment. It made her feel even worse when she noticed that Theodor was almost laughing. Deciding that she won''t lose her face to him like this, she played in his game.


    "Indeed Mr. Svensson, you are wrong. I was just taking a little walk trough this wonderful park. When you appeared, I was deciding about which path will be the most pleasant to walk back to the campus."


    With serious look on her face Elizabeth was waiting for his answer. She was surprised when he started to laugh out loud. Elizabeth was rather angry at his reaction.


    "What is that funny?"


    When Theodor finally clam himself he explained.


    "You know, the truth is that the only one path from those three is leading to the campus. Two others will lead you to the outside border of academy grounds."


    Elizabeth felt that she was blushing again buy she didn''t gave up yet.


    "And how do you know, where this paths are leading?"


    " Trust me, I just know."


    Without giving any serious answer he looked at his watch. Smile on his face disappeared for a quick second.


    "It''s fun to chat with you like this Elizabeth but I am afraid that if we won''t hurry up, we will be late for our lessons."


    With fearful face Elizabeth checked time by herself and she found out that they got only fifteen minutes before their lessons begin. She noticed that Theodor already chose one of the paths. Without hesitation Elizabeth followed him.


    "So finally, you want to trust in my knowledge about this park?"


    Elizabeth stayed silent, she didn''t wanted to admit her defeat.


    " I don''t think that we will be able made it like this. Let''s speed up."


    With this words Theodor jumped like five meters ahead with one step. Elizabeth realized that he used some movement magic. It felt wrong to use magic like that, earlier Elizabeth never used magic to help her in her life. Magic was reserved for training and lessons. When Theodor was about fifteen meters before her she got rid of all doubts and she used her inborn magic. It took her few seconds to manage right pace of using air to improve her movements and to catch Theodor. The feeling of air swirling around her and speed were amazing. Fortunately path was wide enough to move like that for two of them, it wouldn''t be so pleasant to run behind because while landing a lot of little gravel was shot back under their feet. Elizabeth felt great rushing through the park was wonderful experience, trees next to them were almost blurred  from the speed. It took them only few minutes to reach border of park but Theodor didn''t stop when academy buildings appeared, with high speed  Elizabeth followed him to the entrance of main building. When they finally stopped, Elizabeth was heavy breathing but she started laughing. Running with magic was so much fun. When she calmed herself, she noticed few students passing next to her and staring with strange faces. She reminded herself that she didn''t have much time, so she just said some "see you later" to Theodor and rushed for her classes. While walking trough corridors she noticed that Theodor was following her, with  stupid grin on his face. Elizabeth immediately stopped and turned around with irritated look on her face.


    "Why are you following me?"


    Smile on Theodor''s face became even wider and Elizabeth could see pure joy in his eyes.


    "I don''t know. Why am I following you? Why do you even think that I am following you ?"


    Elizabeth became even more irritated.


    "Isn''t it obvious ? You walk behind me, with this stupid smile on your face."


    "Oh so it''s  forbidden to walk behind you on corridors?"


    It was obvious how amused he was by that situation. Elizabeth was ready to explode and say few harsh things to him but he was faster.


    "Let me explain. You know, as a classmates it''s only natural to have same classes and subjects. And that''s the case in this situation, I am just walking for my classes which obviously are the same like yours."


    Elizabeth realized her mistake and started blushing. She felt really stupid that she was saying such a nonsense but it wasn''t end of Theodor''s talk.


    "In addition, I am still waiting for some thanks, without me you would end up on the other side of park. But what I get? Some unpleasant accusation."


    It was true that Elizabeth didn''t even thanked him because she was in such a hurry. When Elizabeth understood how bad she acted she immediately started to apologize.


    "I am so sorry, we were in such a haste before, and thank you for your help. I hope you are not very angry."


    Theodor laughed once again.


    "Don''t worry, I am not angry but we should seriously hurry up right now."


    Elizabeth didn''t know what to expect from Open Research classes but after first hour she felt a little disappointed. Group of students attending to that classes was rather small and apparently that day was only to explain rules of subject, work safety and restrictions in using academy facilities. In addition next lesson would be about proper use of facilities and devices. Elizabeth quickly stopped to listen two technicians talking about safety rules and let her mind wander.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.Once again, after classes Elizabeth headed to library. For a second she thought, it was rather sad that she will spend her friday afternoon with books. It''s not like she doesn''t wanted to spend some time with her new friends but twins had something to do in their fathers company and Natasha was going to visit her family. Books weren''t only reason why Elizabeth was going to library. She didn''t wanted admit to herself  but she was hoping a little, that she could meet Theodor. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately he wasn''t there. Elizabeth''s feelings about that boy could be described as confused and it was the most polite way to call it. Even that day, besides of their unusual meeting in park, he acted very strange, he just vanished after Open Research Classes and didn''t showed up whole day. In library Elizabeth supplied herself in huge amount of research material, with idea of spending whole saturday on it. She didn''t have anything planned and Natasha wasn''t in city, so she just could focus on her work.


    ***


    To be honest, Elizabeth felt a little nervous. She didn''t thought much about inviting Ms.Bereshinkov to dinner and now she got a little doubts. On the other side she was so angry at her uncle for keeping their relationship in secret. She could understand if he got only few dates with someone and he didn''t said a word but half a year ? Half a year is pretty serious and there was no reason in keeping it hidden from her.


    Elizabeth decided to wear green, knee long dress. I took her about 30 minutes to choose it, she didn''t wanted to look to casual but she felt like her cloths shouldn''t look to elegant, it was just a dinner with her uncle. Elizabeth was waiting before main gate to the academy. It was still 10 minutes before car, send by her uncle, should appear but Ms.Bereshinkov still didn''t showed up. Elizabeth warned her uncle that she invited a friend for a dinner, he was very enthusiastic about meeting her new friend. She could wait to see William face when he finds out who her guest is. Elizabeth was hoping that Ms.Bereshinkov keeper her promise and stayed silent but in that moment while she was waiting for car she was seriously afraid if her teacher will even show up. Elizabeth was full of doubts but than Ms.Baryshnikov appeared. She was wearing jet black dress and high heel shoes in the same color. She got the moves of model and with her dark hair weaving on wind, she looked just amazing. Even her prosthetic arm was jet black and gave her even more mysterious and exotic look. Seeing her teacher like that Elizabeth couldn''t understand why such a women wanted to date her uncle. After short greeting  both of them remain silent. Fortunately it wasn''t long when car appeared with lieutenant Anders on drivers seat. When he got out of the car to greet them, he finally found out who the women besides Elizabeth is. Firstly, look on his face was little confused but after a second glance of understanding appeared in his eyes. Right after he started to laugh loudly.


    "You knew!!!"


    Elizabeth said accusingly. Right know she forgot about any doubts she had before, her uncle was in serious trouble.


    "I am the only one who didn''t know about it?"


    Mb.Bereshinkov and lieutenant Anders remained silent and didn''t answer her question. After few seconds of awkward silence, Elizabeth finally moved. She walked up to the car and opened one of the doors.


    ¡°What are you waiting for ? Hurry up! We don¡¯t have whole day.¡±


    While sitting in the car, Elizabeth calmed a little bit. She was wondering how her uncle will react when she bring Ms. Bereshinkov like this. She also couldn¡¯t understand why her teacher is so quiet, Ms. Bereshinkov was acting totally different than in classes. Elizabeth felt a little bad about that so she tried to start some conversation.


    ¡°You look great Ms.Bereshinkov.¡±


    Ok, it wasn¡¯t the best way to started some chat but Elizabeth expected some ruction but her teacher just nod. Elizabeth decided to act straight forward.


    ¡°Why are you so silent? It obvious that you don¡¯t act like this normally.¡±


    Ms.Bereshinkov turned her face and looked straight in Elizabeth eyes.


    ¡°Can I be honest with you ?¡±


    Elizabeth was little surprised by her question, she just nod as a response.


    ¡°There is a good reason for me to act like this. You see, I wanted to meet you at least two months ago. William told me a lot about you, and you seemed to me as a strong young lady but every time when I wanted to pay a visit he was talking about how you lost your parents and he is your only family. He was really worried about how you will react if you found out that there is another women around him.¡±


    Elizabeth was truly touched for about second, until she understand that her uncle was seeing her as a some little girl. She wanted to say that she is not a child but Ms.Bereshinkov was continuing her explanation.


    ¡°I have trusted your uncle, he was talking care of you for years now, he knew you better. Everything changed when you came to Holy Spirit Academy and I understood that you are not some child who will break down because her uncle got a girlfriend. To be honest I was quite happy when you found out that we are dating.¡±


    Ms.Bereshinkov made a little pause.


    ¡°You see, I care a lot about you uncle. I understood that he was doing it for you but I was little hurt that he was hiding me.¡±


    Elizabeth finally started to understand her teachers feelings.


    ¡°So you remained silent because you wanted to eat dinner with me and my uncle.¡±


    Ms.Bereshinkov laughed lightly.


    ¡°Yes, but I also wanted to see what are you planning. William is such a great man but sometimes he acts like total idiot.¡±


    Elizabeth started to laugh, Ms.Bereshinkov words were perfect description of her uncle. Even lieutenant Anders who was sitting silent since they left academy started to giggle. When three of them could finally catch a breath Ms.Bereshinkov spoke once again.


    ¡°I got one request for you Elizabeth, can you call me by my name? I am not your teacher outside the academy.¡±


    Elizabeth could only answer with wide smile.


    After everything became clear, Elizabeth spend second part of travel on chatting with Katia, read Ms.Bereshinkov. When they arrived before Harts home Elizabeth''s was ready do execute her plan. Together with Ms.Bereshinkov, she walked up to the door and rang doorbell. She will never forget the face which her uncle made when he opened  doors, for a short moment she thought that he got hearth attack. Her uncle''s face become red and his mouths were closing and opening in soundless motions. Elizabeth didn¡¯t give him even a chance to say a word. She greeted him with a quick hug and introduced Ms.Bereshinkov. Her uncle was still unable to say anything so Elizabeth grabbed Katia''s hand and pulled her to a dinning room. It took a while for Elizabeth¡¯s uncle to join them. As expected William wasn¡¯t very talkative and her reminded silent while Elizabeth and Katia were chatting cheerfully whole the time.  When meal was over Elizabeth thought that it was the time for her uncle to act and indeed William cleared his throat and started to speak.


    ¡°So Elizabeth, how you and Ms.Bereshinkov become friends?¡±


    Elizabeth felt like playing with her uncle even more will be wrong, but she couldn''t let it go just yet.


    ¡°Let me think¡­ I guess it was today when we were talking in the car.¡±


    Confused look on his face was priceless.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You know uncle, when I found out that she was as angry at you as me.¡±


    ¡°Angry?!?¡±


    He was na looking nervously at Ms.Bereshinkov direction.


    ¡°Oh you know, angry for hiding from me that you are dating each other.¡±


    Once again he got hearth attack look on his face. Seriously wasn''t it obvious that their were found out when Elizabeth bring Ms.Bereshinkov for a dinner? Elizabeth was sometimes wandering how her uncle became colonel.


    ¡°How you found out ?¡±


    Oho, Elizabeth started to feel angry again.


    ¡°It''s not important, the most important matter is why you wanted to keep it secret. Seriously, you can''t treat me as a little child, uncle. I am already fifteen years old, I won''t freak out when my uncle finally found himself a women. And more importantly you didn¡¯t even thought how Katia felt when you didn¡¯t wanted her to meet your only family member.¡±


    Atmosphere in dinning room became little strange and air around Elizabeth started to whirl around her. William understood what was happening so he tried to calm her down as quick as possible.


    ¡°I am sorry, I am sorry Elizabeth. You know that I am not the best with this whole feelings stuff. I just didn¡¯t wanted to hurt you. I was afraid that you will feel like I am leaving you alone.¡±


    Seeing her uncle honestly worried face Elizabeth could only calm down. All her confidence and anger instantly disappeared and warm tears started to flaw down her cheeks. William just walked to her and hugged her tightly. I took few long moments when one of them spoke.


    ¡°Elizabeth you are my beloved niece and you need to know that I will always be here for you, no matter what.¡±


    ¡°I know, I love you uncle.¡±


    Seeing such a scene Katia Bereshinkov, who was still sitting on her chair started to cry too.


    When everything became clear between Elizabeth and her uncle,  three of them they spend rest of evening on chatting. Elizabeth decided to give some time alone to her uncle and Ms.Bereshinkov so she left early.


    Katia Bereshinkov was really happy about how that evening has ended, but she was worries about something. While sitting with William on the sofa and staring into flames of fireplace she decided that she have to ask about it.


    ¡°I want to ask about something.¡±


    Look on William''s face became worried.


    ¡°What was that before? When Elizabeth was yelling at you ?¡±


    Rather sad smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°I knew that you would ask. Such a thing happens when really strong emotion are involved. It became really dangerous last time when it happened whole house was destroyed, it was right after she found out that her parents were dead.¡±


    ¡°She is dangerous?¡±


    William didn¡¯t answer right a way, it took him a few seconds to find a right words.


    ¡°Last time it happened five years ago and I didn¡¯t expect that it will happen again. I didn¡¯t think that this whole situation, will make her like this.¡±


    ¡°So she is dangerous after all.¡±


    William stayed silent.