《New Age Academy》 Modern Solutions ¡°That¡¯s beautiful!¡± Jasper was breathless at the sight of the endless ocean. Over the hill¡¯s crest, grassy hills framed the view of Port Oceanic and the vast body of water beyond. The town, built from blocks of grey granite and sunbaked terracotta roofs, clustered warmly in the hollows of the hills. The air carried the salty scent of fish and seawater in the breeze. Bright flags whipped and fluttered from the masts of the fishing and merchant vessels passing through the water. Gulls and ravens shrieking echoed across the port, their sharp cries cutting through the serene vista. Jasper felt a pang of something close to envy. Imagine waking each day to this view, instead of the endless flatness of crop fields. Perhaps, he thought, as a particularly piercing shriek cut through the air, perhaps visiting would be preferable to living here after all. The salty breeze flowed through the carriage window bringing life to the stagnant air they had journeyed in. Another loud shriek sounded earning a groan from the corner of the carriage. ¡°I had nightmares with those cursed birds,¡± Alison whined, massaging her temple with long elegant fingers. Even in the dim light of the carriage her emerald eyes were piercing as she glared towards Jasper. The tall young man had his entire torso out the window with a booted foot hooked under the carriage seat. The shadows darkened her toned form as she stretched, nudging the sleeping form next to her with her athletic physique. Instantly Ruby was on alert, her soft brown eyes usually thoughtful were now sharp, scanning her surroundings. Upon seeing her brother¡¯s torso leaving the carriage she rose to her feet. Her practical leather boots squeaked slightly as two heavy strides brought her across the carriage. She clamped callused, heavy hands around Jasper¡¯s tunic and pulled with silent force. Years spent hauling crops and tools across the fields had built hidden strength in her sturdy frame. Allowing her to pull her brother back in with precise ease. His dashing smile remained undimmed as he was forced from his view. He landed in the carriage with a soft thump before righting himself. He pushed his brown hair from his eyes with ink stained fingers. His brown eyes sparkled with undeterred enthusiasm. ¡°You have to see this¡± he exclaimed, gesturing wildly ¡°They dug a path straight through the hills¡± Ruby released her grip on him but did not move away, her expression a mix of exasperation and fondness ¡°It was like that the last time we were here¡± she reminded ¡°Dad had to coax his horses cause they didn¡¯t like going underground¡± As Ruby spoke she looked beyond her brother at the landscape before them. Her breath caught at the sight of the endless ocean. Despite being here several times before she could never stop herself from feeling wonder at the sight. ¡°Beautiful,¡± she said, mesmerized. ¡°You get used to it¡± Alison snorted, ¡°After a couple weeks it looks no different than a lake¡± ¡±You only say that cause you stayed here for seasons¡± Jasper waved off her remark, craning his neck at the window. As the scenery passed by Jasper noticed a slight shift in pace. Barely noticeable until the driver¡¯s voice rang out, his tone strained and urgent. ¡°We have some trouble¡± the driver suddenly called and the carriage noticeably slowed. Jasper moved first, hauling himself waist-deep through the window to see beyond the front carriage. The road ahead of them lowered while the hills remained, creating a tight path forward. Directly in front of them was a pile of stone and soil blocking the road. ¡±Looks like a landslide¡± he reported ¡°Too much rubble for the carriage to drive over¡± The carriage jolted to a stop and Alison stepped down first followed by Ruby then Jasper. From the carriages ahead and behind, mirroring their own deep green vehicles, passengers were already clambering down. They gathered in small, uneasy clusters, their gestures and hushed words all directed towards the growing pile of rubble blocking the road. As Jasper walked he ran his hand along the thick metal rods connecting the wheels of each carriage, feeling the slight hum of power within. They looked like decorative pieces but were actually advanced technology designed to transfer force to multiple sources. Allowing the two chestnut horses at the front to easily pull the seven carriage train. Upon closer inspection the rubble was mainly a large clump of dirt and a stone nearly four foot long and nearly as wide. ¡°Do we have any tools?¡± Jasper asked the driver. He carelessly kicked at the dirt letting dust fly in the slight breeze. ¡±Only for carriage repair¡± he responded with a shake of his head ¡°We¡¯ll have to go back to the last village for help¡± This was met with a volley of groans and complaints from the other passengers. Alison stepped forward ¡°We don¡¯t need to go anywhere¡± She raised her hands and they began to glow with deep blue light, her aura. This light grew between her hands and then beyond, stretching into a spear as long as Alison. With a grunt the light turned solid and she spun the spear with practiced ease.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡±That¡¯s her aura?¡± A young woman gasped behind Jasper ¡°Looks strong¡± ¡°Definitely stronger than mine¡± A guy with curly brown hair added ¡°All i can do is unlock doors ¡±I got this,¡± Alison said with a smirk. She starts stabbing the clump of dirt, breaking a piece off but otherwise doing minimal damage. ¡°It might be faster to go back to the village,¡± Jasper muttered under his breath. Alison continued for a few seconds before attempting to stab the stone. Her aura made spear drew a scratch on the boulder barely a centimeter deep. ¡°I don¡¯t think she has this¡± Jasper sighs, bumping his sister¡¯s hip. The driver began unhooking the horses to move them to the other end of the carriage train where an identical set up would make going back easy. ¡°She¡¯ll get it¡± Ruby waved her brother away, shifting further to the right. ¡°But someone else could get it done instantly¡± he said with a meaningful look. ¡°Or cause a bigger avalanche¡± she said softly, glancing at the others watching Alison chip at the stone. Jasper frowned and leaned closer to whisper ¡°You have better control than you give yourself credit. Please we can¡¯t miss orientation¡± Ruby hesitated, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her tunic. She glanced at Alison, still striking at the boulder with a triumphant air, and then at the increasingly impatient faces of the other passengers. Someone had to do something. Taking a shallow breath, she finally met Jasper¡¯s pleading gaze, a grim set to her jaw. ¡°The rubble¡± Ruby said through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll have everyone wait on the other side of the hill¡± Jasper¡¯s expression immediately brightened and he revealed his dashing smile ¡°Only Alison and I will stay with you.¡± ¡°No!¡± she denied ¡°You will stay with the others and make sure they stay out of range¡± ¡°No fair¡± he complained ¡°I wanna see¡± ¡°You could get hit¡± she said with finality ¡°Either you stay over there or we go to get proper tools¡± Jasper pursed his lips, holding his arguments back. He knew she wouldn¡¯t budge, she wouldn¡¯t mind missing orientation. Just as long as they made it before the first class. ¡°Fine¡± he snapped and began ushering the others away from Alison. While he did this Ruby approached Alison and let her know the change of plans. ¡°I could get it in a little while¡± Alison insisted, now having a second spear in her other hand. ¡°I don¡¯t want us to miss the boat¡± Ruby sighed, glancing from the rocks to the retreating carriages. Jasper followed behind the carriage as the horses slowly made their way back up until they were over the hill¡¯s curve. ¡°What is she doing exactly?¡± The curly hair man asked as they walked. ¡°She¡¯s going to clear the path,¡± Jasper said cryptically ¡°Just give her a minute and we¡¯ll be on our way¡± ¡°Alright but how does she do it?¡± he continued ¡°Is her aura that strong? Or does she know witchcraft?¡± ¡°It¡¯s her aura¡± Jasper chuckled at the question, the idea of his sister learning and using witchcraft seemed hilarious. ¡°Sadly my sister does not like it to be common knowledge¡± The man frowned at the lack of answer but nodded anyway. ¡°I¡¯m Jasper by the way¡± Jasper offered his hand ¡°I¡¯m Mica¡± the young man took his hand and shook it ¡°Are those your sisters?¡± ¡±Ruby is¡± Jasper nodded ¡°the one with the spears is Alison she¡¯s a really good friend, she¡¯s basically a sister¡° ¡±Thats an incredible aura¡± Mica began but the words were swallowed as the ground rumbled. A deafening CRACK rang out from over the hill and the ground beneath them shook. Chunks of stone came flying over the hill in blurs, crashing into small divots. Laughter erupted from the otherside, Alison must have enjoyed the spectacle. ¡°What the heck?¡± Mica gasped ¡°Told you she would be quick¡± Jasper beamed. He ran forward waving at the carriage to follow him. Mica was beside him by the time he was over the hill and they could see the destruction. The boulder and dirt were gone, or rather shards of the boulder lay across the ground with a new layer of dirt surrounding it. Ruby and Alison stood a few feet from where the obstruction had been. Ruby¡¯s head was hung while Alison comfortingly rubbed her back. Where the stone had been now had a foot deep split on the road, too wide for the carriage to cross. Ruby stared at the crevice with her shoulders slumped, her fists were balled in frustration. ¡°Looks like she worked too well¡± Mica said, his eyes wide at the sight of the crevice. ¡°That¡¯s Ruby for you¡± Jasper said, his voice dipping as he saw his sister¡¯s disappointment. The rest of the passengers followed the two men as they approached the two women. The carriage driver let out a long whistle as he topped the hill. ¡°That¡¯s gonna be harder to fix than the boulder¡± he said in his booming voice. Ruby flinched at the words, her shoulders drawing inwards as if they had physically recoiled her. ¡°No it won¡¯t!¡± Jasper insisted, raising his arms. He pulled at the strange energy within him, his aura. His hands and eyes began to glow cerulean. With a sweeping motion he began sliding rocks and dust into the deep crevice until there was a layer covering the bottom. Then he mentally pushed his aura into the dirt and stone, surrounding it and penetrating it. With a sigh Jasper felt his aura¡¯s effect take place and he pushed down on a large stone. The stone gave way immediately, spreading and flattening as if it was fresh clay. Jasper spread his aura further and had the same effect on the dirt, with careful caresses he molded the dirt and stone together till there was no indication they had ever been separate. ¡°That¡¯s incredible,¡± Mica said from behind him. Jasper flashed him a dazzling smile ¡°Thanks now why don¡¯t you help me out by bringing some more materials over¡±. Mica and the rest of the passengers began rushing dirt and stones into the ditch. Jasper worked quickly as they filled in the gap, molding everything together smoothly. Within minutes the gap was filled in with no indication there had ever been damage, he even smoothed out the cracks in the ground. With solid ground once more established the driver pulled the carriage back around. The travelers quickly returned to their carriages, excited to finally reach Port Oceanic. Where they would catch the ship to New Age Academy. A Melodious Aura The bustling crowds across the port kept Ruby moving more than she would have liked. Trying to find the right ship was proving difficult when three other ships were boarding. Trying to keep close to Alison and Jasper had been impossible. ¡°Ruby over here¡± A powerful voice cut through the port rumble. Rising on her toes Ruby was able to make out the brown hair of her best friend Alison jumping in the crowd. She was pointing towards the smallest ship along the port. Ruby weaved her way between passengers, carefully avoiding contact until she was in arms reach of her friend ¡°Where¡¯s Jasper?¡± Ruby asked, searching the crowd for his tall stature. ¡°I sent him to get a print¡± Alison said with a wave towards the stores, ¡°We saw Ace is in the headline today¡± ¡°He¡¯s in the headline every other day¡± Ruby rolled her eyes ¡°you shouldn¡¯t have let him go on his own. We don¡¯t know the layout, what if he gets lost?¡± ¡°Its within eyesight stop worrying¡± she patted her friend¡¯s shoulder ¡°Focus on the first step towards the rest of our lives¡± She gestured to the boat in front of them which had its name written on its side in a deep green paint; Storming Jasmine. It was not as large as a merchant ship but was big enough to carry the students on the few hour journey to New Age Academy. ¡°I thought it¡¯d be bigger,¡± Alison said with a frown. ¡°It¡¯s only for a short journey, they don¡¯t need more than a few waiting areas,¡± Ruby said, her gaze sweeping the ship trying to see any cracks or holes. The ship looked in better shape than the others around it, the wood looked sturdy and sealed together. It had probably been built in the last year for this precise purpose. ¡°We¡¯re going to the most prestigious academy in the world!¡± her friend exclaimed ¡°I thought we¡¯d ride in luxury¡± ¡°It is not the most prestigious academy in the world¡± Ruby chided ¡°It¡¯s barely been around five years¡± ¡°But it is the leading school for auracraft¡± Alison countered ¡°It¡¯s the first school for auracraft¡± Ruby said with little force. Auracraft was a new magic only seen in the last few decades, there had barely been time to fully study the phenomenon. Let alone build a school dedicated to educating others about it. New Age Academy however had been built directly to teach people to utilize their auras. ¡°I got it!¡± a cheerful voice cut through the crowd¡¯s dull roar. The girls turned to see a tall fit man with messy brown hair that fell across his blue eyes. Ruby¡¯s younger brother Jasper was walking swiftly towards them. He cheerfully held up a thick yellow board to show the girl the black writing on its side. Ace saves City of Stars from wild Hemlock Ent. Replaces damaged gardens with gorgeous pink petaled Trees. Below the headline in smaller print was a description of the damages done by the Ent as well as the names of those killed. ¡°Can you imagine growing trees on a whim¡± Jasper beamed ¡°I hope they teach us that at the academy¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s one of his auras¡± Alison sighed ¡°Pretty sure?¡± Ruby teased ¡°With how much you read about him I thought you¡¯d have figured out his aura¡± ¡°That¡¯s easier said than done¡± Alison argued ¡°Ace has mastery over ten auras. Just reading news stories doesn¡¯t give me enough¡± ¡°Ten auras?¡± Ruby asked with a disbelieving tone ¡°That seems a little exaggerated don''t you think? Maybe the writers aren¡¯t very reliable¡± ¡°That¡¯s not from the news its from Sayer¡± her friend sassed ¡°He¡¯s told me about four of them already¡± ¡°This Sayer is an Ace expert?¡± Jasper questioned ¡°You could say that¡± Alison chuckled ¡°They fought in the Moon civil war and then started attending the academy together¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was in the war¡± Jasper gasped ¡°Sayer joined as soon as he was of age¡± Alison nodded ¡°Not him, Ace!¡± he rolled his eyes ¡°So he¡¯s a prodigy of magic and a trained soldier?¡± ¡°Rich too! The total package¡± ¡°Wait Jasper¡± Ruby suddenly realized ¡°What happened to your friend?¡± ¡°Mica?¡± her brother seemed to just remember his existence ¡°He wanted to run an errand. Said he¡¯ll see me on the boat¡± ¡°He better hurry. The ship leaves at the end of the hour¡± Ruby said ¡°We better get on ourselves¡± ¡°Greetings shining stars of the Rolling Storms Kingdom!¡± A melodious voice rang across the deck. Everyone onboard stopped their conversations mid sentence and turned to the front of the boat. Standing on the landing above the deck was a young woman with chestnut hair flowing in the sea breeze. On either side of her stood tall muscular men in leather armor. ¡°I am so pleased you all could be here for such a momentous day¡± she continued ¡°I am Princess Jasmine, heir of this glorious nation and a student of New Age Academy like you. My father, our benevolent king, sees the potential each of you has to offer. The voyage here today is a testament to his belief that you are the future leaders of our nation. Our numbers may be more selective at this time but that is naught but an opportunity. An opportunity for us to set ablaze a golden standard for our kingdom. Our people have lived with the elements for generations on these lands blessed by the Godbeasts! Let us carry on the resilience, kindness, and determination our ancestors used to build our beautiful nation. Go forth with unwavering spirit, curiosity, and empathy. May your academic journey be filled with enrichment and joy.¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. As the princess concluded her speech, the two men standing next to her began to clap. This broke the crowd¡¯s enrapture and the students began applauding. The princess gave a regal bow before stepping away with her guards. Ruby watched her leave with a strange feeling in her gut, the speech had been inspiring but the way she couldn¡¯t think during it was upsetting. ¡°That had to be magic right?¡± Jasper asked as the applause died down ¡°I could barely think while she was talking¡± ¡°That¡¯s her aura¡± Alison said with a bitter smile ¡°When she speaks your mind can¡¯t do anything but listen¡± ¡°You met her?¡± Ruby questioned ¡°Not personally. Sayer was working with her last season when we met. That was him standing on her left¡± ¡°See that¡¯s how I knew something was up¡± Jasper nodded sagely ¡°I barely registered two muscled up men in front of me. Over a woman? Has to be magic¡± Ruby tried to look again to get a glimpse at the mysterious man her best friend had become love sick over. However they had already retreated from their vantage point. ¡°Sayer!¡± Alison¡¯s sudden shout saved Ruby from continuing her search. Her friend was waving to a tall muscular man approaching with a cocky grin. Once he was closer Alison ran forward and embraced the man, the two kissing passionately. ¡°Oh wow¡± Jasper laughed at the sudden display The two embraced for a moment before breaking apart to breathe. ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you both¡± Sayer said, shaking the siblings hands ¡°Alison has told me so much about you¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t consider her a reliable source¡± Jasper jokes ¡°Don¡¯t judge me till you get to know me¡± ¡°Hold it!¡± a rough voice shouted, breaking the conversation. Turning Ruby saw two men in leather armor approaching, their gaze set on Sayer. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see the rules¡± one said as they neared and pointed at the long sword Sayer had strapped to him ¡°No weapons allowed on the top deck¡± ¡°It¡¯s not an actual sword¡± Sayer argued and drew the blade. It looked like an actual sword with a curved blade to Ruby save for the strange orange metal it was made from. The metal didn¡¯t shine in the sunlight and the handle looked to be made of the same substance. ¡°It¡¯s his focus,¡± Alison said with a roll of her eyes. ¡°Regardless, it''s not allowed out here¡± the guard tried to protest. ¡°Take it easy there¡± suddenly another voice rang out. Approaching the group was Princess Jasmine and her spiky haired guard. ¡°That man is a member of the Advanced Class¡± the man with spiky black hair stated ¡°He¡¯s allowed to carry his weapon¡± ¡°Advanced Class¡± the guard said with new respect and stepped away bowing. ¡°I apologize¡± he added urgently ¡°I had no idea and was just following orders¡± ¡°No problems man¡± Sayer said with a chuckle The two guards thanked him once more and quickly returned to their patrol, leaving the group with the princess and her personal guard. ¡°Honestly Sayer¡± the princess¡¯ guard shook his head ¡°Must you cause a scene everywhere you go? And for what? These guys don¡¯t have the coin to hire your services¡± ¡°Well when you go through life looking like this¡± Sayer struck a provocative pose ¡°People can¡¯t help but notice you¡± ¡°And we have no need for his services¡± Alison cut in, glaring at the guard ¡°I¡¯m more than enough¡± Sayer nodded and beamed at her words. ¡°Is this the Alison we¡¯ve heard so much about?¡± Jasmine asked. Her voice was still melodious but did not enrapture like her speech. ¡°This is! This is Alison, her best friend Ruby and Ruby¡¯s younger brother Jasper. Everyone this is Princess Jasmine and her guard Blue¡± ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you all¡± Jasmine gave a serene smile ¡°It warms my heart to see so many lively citizens entering the academy¡± ¡°Thank you¡± Alison bowed stiffly, her movement rough ¡°I can¡¯t wait to show you my power¡± ¡°Oh a lively one you are¡± the princess laughed like bird song She turned to Sayer with sparkling eyes ¡°To be honest I was so sad to hear you and Ace were no longer together. But now i¡¯m seeing you found someone even more perfect for you¡± Sayer¡¯s smile thinned at her words but laughed it off ¡°Well you know how relationships can be¡± ¡°Wait Ace?¡± Jasper cut in, pulling out the news print ¡°This Ace?¡± Sayer looked at the print with clear distaste. ¡°Oh there¡¯s only one Ace,¡± the princess giggled once more. ¡°You dated The Ace¡± Jasper gawked at the revelation. Ruby looked at Alison to see her reaction but this didn¡¯t look like news to her. In fact Alison seemed to be standing taller after the revelation. Looking at her brother Ruby couldn¡¯t imagine how he could be so at ease. They were just kids of vineyard employees standing in the presence of the future ruler of their nation. ¡°It wasn¡¯t very serious,¡± Sayer dismissed. ¡°Besides we had ended things long before Alison and I had met. No need to harp on the past¡± ¡°The relationship may not have been serious but the two of you made quite an impact on the academy together¡± Jasmine smiled ¡°You two basically created the Advanced Class¡± Blue patted Sayer on the shoulder ¡°Pardon me¡± Ruby spoke up ¡°but what is this Advanced Class?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t told her yet¡± Blue turned on Sayer, his voice filled with mock concern ¡°You didn¡¯t brag? Are you the real Sayer?¡± ¡°We just met¡± the swordsman waved off the guard ¡°And I don¡¯t brag ever. I just share the many fascinating stories I have experienced first hand¡± ¡°Ignore those two¡± Jasmine chuckled, pulling Ruby¡¯s full attention ¡°The Advanced Class are the elite students of the academy, a group that works directly with the instructors to study auracraft. It''s pretty new only started last year with Ace and Sayer here¡± ¡°It was supposed to just be helping the teachers out in the field¡± Sayer added ¡°But Ace and I had an easier time than they did. Ace kept recruiting people so it''s grown a lot more than expected¡± Ruby nodded at the story, intrigued at the idea. Though she couldn''t fight the slight doubt she felt when the teachers she would be instructed by were admittedly worse than second year students. What kind of Academy was she attending? Below Deck and Above The clanging ring of bells spilled across the Storming Jasmine, bringing the brief conversation to a halt. ¡°That means lunch is ready!¡± Jasmine beamed, ¡°Like my father always says ¡°There''s no better way to travel then with a full stomach¡± Let''s head to the mess hall.¡± ¡°That''s great!¡± Jasper rubbed his stomach ¡°I¡¯m starving.¡± ¡°I had one of the castle chefs come to prepare this meal. I guarantee it will be one of the best you¡¯ve ever had. Her roasts fall off the bone before you can even take a bite.¡± ¡°Princess,¡± Blue cut in, ¡°We can¡¯t forget you have lunch plans already.¡± ¡°Oh right,¡± the princess¡¯s smile fell to a slight grin. ¡°I promised the captain we would eat together.¡± ¡°And you can¡¯t upset captain Pearl,¡± the guard smiled ruefully. ¡°No he¡¯ll send letters to me father,¡± the princess chuckled and turned to the others with a genuine smile ¡°Please go enjoy the meal our chefs worked hard to prepare.¡± ¡°I assume you¡¯ll be sticking with your girl?¡± Blue asked Sayer who winked cheekily. ¡°Give the captain my regrets,¡± he bowed slightly, ¡°but what kind of man would I be to leave my girlfriend to dine alone? He¡¯ll understand.¡± ¡°Lucky you¡± Blue rolled his eyes. With a final goodbye the princess and her guard retreated back towards the front of the ship. ¡°They seemed nice,¡± Ruby commented, glancing at her friend. ¡°I wonder how Blue became her guard¡± Alison mused ¡°He¡¯s not much older than us¡± ¡°Nepotism¡± Sayer shrugged ¡°His dad is a castle guard and the king loves rewarding diligence with more work. Plus his aura wouldn¡¯t let him do much else¡± ¡°What does his aura do?¡± Jasper asked ¡°He¡¯s the strong guy right?¡± Alison added ¡°I remember you said he could lift the ship with one arm¡± Jasper¡¯s eyes sparkled at the description, his mouth nearly dropping while Ruby frowned. ¡°He would need both hands¡± Sayer said dismissively ¡°but yes his aura boosts his physical strength. An aura like that only has so many uses¡± ¡°How does that work with the princess¡¯ aura¡± Ruby questioned ¡°Wouldn¡¯t he get caught up listening to her?¡± Sayer frowned at this question, glancing to the side ¡°I¡¯m sure they have their methods. For now why don¡¯t we head down to eat. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all hungry after traveling¡± The group agreed and began making their way below deck. Before he could make his way down the stairs Jasper was halted by a voice. ¡°Jasper!¡± an urgent whisper came from behind. The crafter turned and saw Mica approaching with wide eyes. He was glancing around as if being hunted. ¡°Hey. you alright?¡± Jasper questioned. ¡°Are you?¡± he hissed in response ¡°Was that the princess you were just talking with? I thought you came from a small village like me,¡±. ¡°I just met her,¡± Jasper shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s friends with my friend¡¯s boyfriend. She seems really nice. What''s the big deal?¡± ¡°She¡¯s royalty,¡± Mica said as if sentencing a criminal ¡°She could have you and me executed because her guard sneezed! How can you feel safe talking to her?¡± ¡°I mean I don¡¯t think she would do that,¡± Jasper shrugged ¡°Like you said she can do what she wants regardless of me. That, like a lot of things in life, we just don¡¯t have control over it. So why shouldn¡¯t I act how I want to act? If I get killed for it at least I died being true to who I am. Mica seemed shocked at Jasper¡¯s words, unable to come up with a response. ¡°Want to join us for lunch?¡± Jasper asked with a smile ¡°Promise the princess will not be with us so you won¡¯t get executed for using the wrong fork¡± ¡°That¡¯s not funny¡± Mica said weakly ¡°I guess I could eat though¡± The mess hall was below deck with a large room bordered with windows, showing the ocean waves. All around were tables filled with passengers enjoying their meals. The scent of baking bread filled the air as the dull roar of conversation became the background music. The group of five sat at a round wooden table that had legs that looked to have grown from the floor itself. A server with a blinding smile came by and placed glasses of water for everyone. In the corner of the hall, a man in all white stood by an opening that led to the kitchens. The sound of fire and metal banging was overshadowed by the roar of conversation. Several plates brimming with food were placed on the opening and the man in white went to work. He glowed with a pale red light centering around his hands. From the light wolves formed taking flight above the man. Then with a wave the wolves grabbed a plate with two paws and flew across the room to the group¡¯s table. Jasper and Alison cheered as a wolf dropped a plate in front of them, ignoring the slight mess as some vegetable fell off. Ruby and Mica sunk into their chairs as the astral wolves delivered the food, unnerved by such an uncanny looking creature looming above them. As they ate a comfortable silence fell over the table, everyone enjoying the meal in front of them This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking¡± Mica spoke up, looking at Sayer and Alison ¡°How did you two meet?¡± Alison¡¯s eyes shined at the question ¡°We met in Port Oceanic this past dry season. I worked with the local guards to ensure no monsters made it into the town¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know they had a monster problem like that¡± Mica frowned ¡°Well that¡¯s kinda my fault¡± Sayer chuckled. ¡°I spent the season working on the route we¡¯re taking now to the academy. Had to drive some monsters from their homes which can lead to an avalanche of monsters moving territories.¡± ¡°We only had one real attack¡± Alison said almost disappointed ¡°A group of crabs the size of hay barrels. Their shells were crazy tough but hitting them at the joints made their legs snap easy¡± Mica recoiled at the description and sunk further into his chair, clearly done with questioning. ¡°So I know you said you don¡¯t want to harp on the past¡± Jasper rushed out ¡°but can you tell me if Ace really has ten auras? Can a person have more than two?¡± ¡°Jasper¡± Ruby chided, glancing at her friend to make sure she wasn¡¯t bothered. However Alison was looking at Sayer with a hopeful expression. Sayer sighed and rolled his eyes with a good natured grin ¡°Fine let''s get this out of the way. Yes Ace claims to have ten auras. I have only seen him use some of them. One to make solid light, one makes him crazy strong and can fly, one teleports, one creates illusions, and the last creates plants. He hides most of the other ones¡± ¡°Incredible¡± Jasper¡¯s eyes glowed with excitement ¡°No way a human can have that much power¡± Mica gawked Sayer gave a short laugh ¡°Well you wouldn¡¯t be the first to consider Ace something beyond human¡± ¡°How can someone have more than one aura?¡± Ruby questioned. Back home everyone had a single aura which some claimed reflected their true self. Alison was a warrior by heart and soul so it made sense her aura would turn into a spear to fight with. Jasper was ever creative and saw potential in everything around him so his aura gave him the ability to mold everything around him to his unique design. Ruby on the other hand didn¡¯t like to think about how her aura reflected her inner self. ¡°That¡¯s something we in the advanced class are trying to find out¡± Sayer said ¡°Ace isn¡¯t the only person in the academy with multiple auras. Just the guy with the most. As of right now it just seems like some develop multiple auras and others just have one¡± Ruby frowned at the information, not like she wanted to develop auracraft anyway. The education and connections from this academy will be far more valuable in the long run. Though the idea of another aura couldn¡¯t leave her mind, one that reflected who she saw herself as instead of what everyone else saw her to be. ¡°Speaking of auras¡± Alison turned to Mica ¡°What can you do?¡± ¡°Alison¡± Ruby chided ¡°That¡¯s not our business¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to be in classes together¡± Alison threw her hands up ¡°We¡¯ll see it eventually, why wouldn¡¯t we talk about it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s his decision to make,¡± Ruby stated firmly. ¡°Not to take sides¡± Sayer cut in ¡°but students are actively encouraged to discuss their auras¡± ¡°What?¡± Ruby¡¯s stomach fell beneath the waves ¡°Auras come from who we are as people¡± he explained ¡°to truly understand the power one has to understand themselves¡± Ruby fists clenched at this and she lowered her head. ¡°Well um¡± Mica said, ¡°My aura isn¡¯t very flashy or strong. I can lock and unlock doors¡± ¡°That¡¯s pretty cool!¡± Jasper said ¡°Is it just doors or anything with a lock?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve done chests and a small vault as well¡± Mica puffed with pride. ¡°Enough about Ace and auras¡± Sayer waved his arm towards a window ¡°We are going through the Brined Shallows at the moment. Let''s go to the deck and i¡¯ll show you where I fought a sea monster¡± ¡°What kind of monster?¡± Jasper asked, already out of his chair. ¡°Looked like a bull mixed with an octopus that also had a fishtail¡± Sayer grinned leading the group back to the top deck ¡°It could wrap its tentacles around the rocks to trap ships passing through¡± Out on the deck Jasper realized the vast ocean around them was now spotted with tall stone stalagmites. The ship sailed between them never coming within a few feet from a stone. ¡°Is this really a safe path? Ruby asked, it looked as if there were no rocks a bit farther away. ¡°Unfortunately yes¡± Sayer confirmed ¡°The open waters on either side hold colonies of Whirl Bass. They can swim in circles so fast entire schools can create whirlpools. Their favorite food is the sailors unlucky enough to lose their balance¡± ¡°That¡¯s terrifying¡± Mica groaned ¡°Not as terrifying as a bull octopus monster¡± Jasper countered ¡°That''s a matter of opinion¡± Sayer shrugged ¡°For me I¡¯ll take a monster above water any day over a school of carnivorous fish¡± ¡°Fighting underwater would be tough,¡± Alison nodded. The air thick with the salty scent of the sea shifted slightly. A new earthy scent traveled on the wind, hinting at something different. Something ancient and massive. ¡°We can almost see the academy,¡± Sayer reported, pointing towards the front of the ship. Rocks jutted across the horizon in front of the ship, creating the illusion of a stony wall. As the ship progressed it became clear that some parts of that wall was an actual wall past the sea. A building made of the same gray stone the stalagmites rose from the horizon like a waking beast. Towers pierced the sky, their peaks hidden by the clinging grey clouds. Massive waves crashed against the stone. The group converged on the side, Alison and Jasper leaning the farthest over the railing. Ruby kept both feet planted on the deck and had a firm grip on their jackets. As the Storming Jasmine cleared more stalagmites the sheer size of the academy came into view. Spanning the horizon with a seemingly endless amount of towers and buildings. A mountain rose at the center of the island, or what looked like a mountain. It¡¯s distant peaks glinted with spots of sporadic reflected light. ¡°Wait, is it coming out of the water?¡± Jasper asked, his voice dripping with curiosity and anticipation. He lent further over the railing straining to see land under the buildings. ¡°It¡¯s like a fortress island¡± Alison gawked, her eyes flickering with blue light. ¡°It is an island,¡± Sayer revealed, laughing at the awe-inspiring looks. This brought Alison and Ruby¡¯s attention back to the swordsman. Jasper continued observing the academy with Mica glancing beside him. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ruby asked ¡°Like the academy takes up the entire island?¡± ¡°Not at all¡± Sayer shook his head ¡°The island itself was transformed into the academy. Every room and building is just a part of the ground risen and given shape by one of the instructors¡± ¡°A single instructor did all that¡± Alison was practically humming in excitement. Ruby stared at the imposing form of the academy, its presence weighing down on her. They had finally arrived at New Age Academy. According to Sayer this would be where they uncover the truth behind Auracraft. This is where people come to finally grasp who they are. To decide what effect they will have in the world. For Ruby this would be the place she discovers who she really is. Or discover the villagers were right and she was nothing but a monster of destruction.