Revan arrived at school´s courtyard to find a group about twenty kids had assemble he quickly found spotted Lyndis sitting alone in one of the rows of chairs that had been place for students to seat so he went to take seat beside her at this action Lyndis eyes went wide only for moment before she regained her composure just a second later. Revan did not notice this. ¨What are you doing¨ asked Lyndis ¨Well no one is using this seat and we are already acquainted so I am sitting beside you can´t I? ¨ asked Revan as he turn his face to Lyndis ¨Whatever do as you please but don't think we are friends just because my grandfather and your father know each other we are leagues apart to begin with I am a noble of the empire chosen by our god Morana herself your just a spoiled knight son¨ reply Lyndis ¨Ohh thank you very much then I will seat here... my lady¨ answered an amuse Revan. It obvious this kid doesn't know how to be very sociable more than her magic, I think her attitude is why she doesn't have any friends thought Revan. ''You were thinking something rude of me just now weren't you'' said Lyndis as she looked at Revan with menacing eyes '' I would never!'' said Revan grinning. As Lyndis was about to respond they quickly shifted their attention to sound of coming footsteps. what they saw was a girl in what appear a black nun outfit with the symbol of a wolf embedded on the chest. the girl walk through the rows of wooden chairs and walk up a podium that had been set in front of the courtyard. '' Welcome to Fountain Elementary little ones'' spoke the little girl '' Little ones huh'' thought Revan about the irony of the words the little girl spoke '' Today you will take the first step of a new cycle in your life here you will spend learning and honing your talents for the years to come and when you leave you will all be the life blood that keeps our great society safe you will be the guardians of this empire and shield that guards Heim's people from the menace of the fallen ones'' proclaim the little girl ''Who is that little girl and why is she giving a speech'' said Revan ''What you don't even know that... She is the Principle of this school she helps oversee the defenses of Fountain. Principle Therese Apocrypha also known as one of the Twilight Paladins she is one of the four great Knights that oversee the whole of Heim Empire with her majesty blessing '' said Lyndis ''Huh.. really but she is so little I was thinking she was another noble student maybe lord Elbert daughter or something'' whispered a surprise Revan '' As far as I know the lord of the this city has no daughters but he does have son but I haven't met him'' responded Lyndis suddenly both of them felt a chilling sensation on their backs that made them shut their mouths as both return her gaze back to Principle Therese was giving them a harsh gaze while she continued her speech. '' Lyn.... you don't think she heard us right... right?'' said Revan in an awkward voice. '' I don't think so.... I hope... And why are you shortening my name I don't recall allowing you to do that'' said Lyndis in a fluster voice.
'' I look forward to see what kind of people you will become I will now close this entrance ceremony with the words that have where spoken to me by my mentor 'Arise! Sons of Morana and go forth and become the foundation of this world'' Therese proclaimed with great conviction. She soon climb down from the podium and began making her way out of the school's courtyard and into the main building. Soon after she left came a tall man with blond hair and blue eyes he seem quite strong by the way he carried himself '' He is very strong '' said Revan. The man quickly scanned to room and said '' Now we will begin testing your abilities you are all five years old so I don't expect much from you but I at least expect you all have undergone some training in your respective houses or I don't know why would you come here in the first place'' said the blond man '' I am Jaffar Wolfsbane and I will be in charge of the examinations today'' said Jaffar '' Instructor what happens if we do not meet your expectations will be denied entry'' said a red hair boy in blue outfit '' I already said it kid i do not expect nothing from you so you can't fail the purpose of this is to evaluate your current strengths and potentials so that we may group you accordingly is that clear enough for you?'' said Jaffar the boy quickly responded '' Yes sir'' ''That is very good to hear now lets begin'' proclaim the blond hair instructor.
As he had said the tests themselves were not hard one but they were tricky ones for example the first test was to run around the plaza and that was it we were not told how many laps we were to run or for how much time we were running however even though the instructor had said we wouldn't be denied entrance to the school there was a strange tense air around us i suppose everyone wanted to be recognize as the best one of the twenty of us I however saw the test for what it was a test of our endurance and so the test began most children began running as fast they could in the lead was that red hair boy, I began jogging at the pace a knew I could maintain for a long time and so the time pass as children began collapsing from exhaustion but the test continued for about an hour until we heard our instructor yell '' That enough... now you wil get twenty minutes to rest before we go for the next tests'' by that time I was already feeling exhausted but i had maintain my pace through out the whole of the test of all twenty kids only seven of us seem to be in somewhat good condition. To my surprise the red kid who had ran at full throttle since the begging had manage to keep himself from collapsing from exhaustion he had begun shouting around midway through the test something about him breaking pass his limits what an impressive little brat. Lyndis had also manage to grasp the test and had also maintain a rhythm that she could run for long periods sadly for me it was faster than my own but whatever this is not a competition and some other kids had also manage themselves quite admirably and manage to pass through a very simple yet hard first test.
'' That was a tought one'' said Revan as he approach Lyndis '' Something of this level is nothing'' said a the clearly exhausted girl '' I wonder what is next'' said Revan '' It seems its time we find out.. here comes our instructor'' said Lyndis. As Jaffar approach us several other people came with him all them seem to be instructors here '' Now for the next test you will pick a weapon if you have no experience using one just choose one you feel comfortable with.. you may also choose to fight barehanded'' As he said that the people behind instructor Jaffar began placing wooden weapons of all kinds swords of various types , axes , maces , lances some type of gauntlets with wooden knuckles an impressive array from which to pick '' Uhm Instructor Jaffar sir what are we gonna do with this weapons surely you aren't gonna have us fight in some type free for all right'' asked Revan ''That not a bad idea.. but sadly this test will be to determine your proficiency with the weapon of choice and you will be tested by one of our instructors who are already masters of their respective art'' answer Jaffar. a question quickly follow this time it was a little girl with cute little curly pony tails that asked '' Sir what if we want to be a mage?'' Jaffar'' A mage huh well we won't know about proficiency with magic until you reach eight years old are taken to the selection tower to see if you are bless by one of the gods so its not a path you may take right now should at least begin training with a weapon to prepare yourself for the possibility of been unable to become one'' said Jaffar and so we began approaching the weapon stands that had been set up.
Many of the kids were hesitating which weapon to choose which was the most common thing because well unless you were a noble or knight son I don't think you would have had access to weapon training like I had. I quickly selected a longsword from the weapon racks and proceed back to my place in the plaza the instructors had begun getting some of the other kids to form up with them as soon as everyone had picked one they began taking us in different directions. As we enter the school building we pass through various classrooms saw other students already immerse in their classes then we enter a big rectangular room on the floor where some lines painted forming a big box that appear to be for training matches as we enter the room our instructors address us '' Welcome to the sparing room since everyone of you chose the sword and there many types of swords here we will assign you to an instructor best suited in the sword you chose'' said a young lady ''Now what will do today is teach basic stance and practice a few moves'' said a elderly bearded man '' For those of you who have already have some experience do not get conceited as knowing the basics is the most important thing so take your practice seriously or you will face punishments as of this moment you are now students of this school and will be treated no differently regardless of your heritages or skills'' said a hooded figure her voice sounded quite feminine so I guess she was a woman. I quickly spotted Lyndis among the rest of us she had already but a wooden katana on her waist I saw other kids also wielding katanas other sported longswords as myself and a pair wielding a pair of daggers.
''My name is Garus Banely I will instruct all of our new longsword users.. come'' said the elderly man the hooded instructor soon step up and spoke as instructor Jaffar also appear from behind us '' I am Excel Crowly will teach you with Jaffar here the way of the dagger and rapier wielding'' ''Form up here'' complimented Jaffar lastly the young lady turn to speak came '' I am Mei Raiden katana wielders come'' she said in a brief and concessive voice.
As we split to our respective instructors I observed there were four longsword users , two rapier and two dagger users and four katana users and so the each instructor began showing some basic guard and its benefits as well as some basic moves as I return my attention to instructor Garus he was explaining a guard refer to as the Plough Guard. As he took to his stand left foot went in front right foot behind his sword went in front him tip slightly point forward to point at your opponents throat.
'' This is the most common of all stances in the way of the sword and many other types of sword schools use it in fact if I were to tell you to assume a combat position many of you would have assume this stance. The plough guard is a very versatile stance as you may see it allows to quickly cover most of body'' said Garus as he moved his longsword to his sides as if to deflect an opponent attack '' It also allows us to quick thrust or slash like this!'' as he extended both his arms quickly causing the tip of the sword forward in quick motion or to put it simply he was thrusting his sword he then proceeded to do a few side slashes '' Now all of you assume Plough Guard and I want you to do 100 thrusts then we will do 100 side slashes'' commanded Garus. For me this exercise was already the bread of everyday however for some of the kids here it was clear they had never held a sword in their hand and it show in their posture however Garus quickly pointed out and help them correct their flaws. As I was doing my practice swings and thrusts my eyes wander around to see how the others were training I quickly spotted Lyndis practicing the drawing of her katana it was breath taking the ability which she display when I suddenly felt a throbbing pain in my back legs as I fell to the ground I quickly spotted Garus who had stroke me with his wooden sword '' Who told you to stop swinging boy'' yelled Garus . Aparrently at somepoint I had stopped swinging my sword I quickly answered ''Sorry sir I got distracted by companion's'' as I quickly stood back up '' Oh are you such master swordsman that you can afford to not focus on your own training and focus on the your fellow students... what is your name boy'' barked Garus at Revan ''Revan Astley sir'' answered Revan. '' Well Revan since your such master of the sword I have another test for you and if you don't pass it I'll expel you'' said Garus '' Expel me sir isn't that a bit much'' questioned Revan ''Your questioning me boy I see you lack discipline'' he turn his head in the direction Revan was facing he yell ''Alfield it seems this boy was interested in your swordplay so spar with him and show him by knocking him out'' a surprise Lyndis look at Garus hesitantly '' I...'' Garus replied before she could said anything before she had a chance to say anything '' Fail and face the same punishment... the rest of you clear out to the sides''.
All of the children and instructors except for Garus , Lyndis and Revan took their place at the side of the room. ''This is bad I have to face Lyndis who already has magic at her disposal her katana skills are unknown to me but judging by the way she was drawing she does look experience with it'' thought Revan '' A bad situation indeed yet I'm excited a real battle with high stakes on it'' a strain smile appear on Revan face.
Lyndis POV:
I got called to a spar with an annoying boy because apparently he was fooling around while in practice I didn't want to fight him because my dumb grandfather had let out that I had already access to magic I didn't want anyone to know. but if he said it here and now he might at least avoid fighting me. but when the black hair boy call me '' I'm sorry Lyn for getting you caught up in this but I have no intention of going easy on you'' said black hair boy, I was surprise all my life people had avoided me as soon as they saw how skilled I was and I had been alone only with my grandfather and parents to stand by me then suddenly this boy who I just met today was smiling at me preparing to fight me did he think he could win even knowing I have magic and was the only the disciple of my grand father Artras Craely the White Wolf I suddenly felt very angry at him '' I wasn't going to go easy on you either way Revan this perfect opportunity to get rid of you and don't call me that we are not friends'' I yell at him but then it happen what I felt and saw shook me to my core a strange twisted smile appear on the boy face suddenly I felt a bloodlust I had only felt when my father took me to hunt some wolfs on the Serinas forest. The aura made even the other students flinch the boy adopted a totally novice guard stance it couldn't even be call that, what is it with this amateur how is he emanating such an aura. I quickly grab my katana. I suddenly knew that if I didn't put him down fast his fangs would reach me I cannot lose to this.. to this kid.
Revan POV:
I apologize to Lyn because in the end she was put in this situation because of me I should just refuse the match so I do not get her in trouble but I want to fight her a disciple of my fathers former commander and he looked so strong I cant hold this feeling inside me that is compelling to fight her I just have to lose in the last minute but before that I want to beat her I want to put my skills to the test. I quickly shut out everything that was not Lyn ,myself or instructor Garus who was gonna referee over our match I tighten my grip on my longsword and assume what is know as the Fool's Guard I held my longsword with both hands facing to my right tip downward I felt my senses heighten due to my tension, I began feeling my every breath and seeing Lyn was surprise by my guard she probably doesn't know it and all she sees an inexperience fool but this was what this guard was suppose to accomplish to the deceive your opponent and anticipate their strike and quickly deliver a flurry of counters and utterly destroy an opponent I could feel my companions had lost all her breaths even Lyn seem affected my instructor only had surprise on his face I been told by my father that the bloodlust I emanated when I got serious was something I needed to control but right now I need to Lyn as perturb as I could get her. As I was preparing to close distance Lyn made a move she approach me at astounding speed anyone of this kids would probably not have been able to keep up but I was already sparring with my father on regular basis so this was manageable her right hand began drawing her katana left hand pulling on a wooden sheath aiming at my neck from my right side I felt myself smile as both my arms began moving with out me even thinking about it this is what you call muscle memory my sword immediately went from 120 degree angle of my Fools Guard and ended raise it to protect my right side my left hand was above my head my right hand was on my eye level I felt Lyn's katana collide with my sword I quickly push her katana by putting force on my right hand and as felt her wooden katana been push back I put strength on my left hand bring my sword quickly overhead and into a downward in slash aim at her head she quickly reacted and stepped back but I had expected that I put strength in my left hand to pull on my hilt and with the right hand I pushed my sword forward transforming my downward slash into a thrust aim at her neck she quickly side step to my right and slashed at my left side but I had already assume my next stance known as ''the Right Ox'' in this stance was perfect for countering I caught her katana with my own own sword quickly deflected and in the same move brought my sword around for an attack at her right side she attempted to retreat but the tip of my sword graze her on her right shoulder I quickly press the attack by repeating some thrust which she hurriedly parried but because I didn't let her any room to breath she couldn't regain her proper guard as she was been push back after my many thrust i adopted Plough Guard and began attacking from all sides I attack her left and guarded blow from my right, attacked from below, guarded from an upward slash and attacked her left. I could see Lyn's posture beginning to crumble. to begin with my sword had range advantage my blade was longer I could see her trying to protect her right shoulder it seem that blow that had manage to graze her with was more effective than I had initially thought '' HAHAHAHA....LYN YOUR MINEEEE'' I shouted as I prepare one of Astely's sword arts and my whole body tense responding to my senses heighten even further I went to Rear Guard Stance and quickly move forward and tilted my head to the right as I did this Lyn katana graze my right cheek but I had avoided her thrust I felt a little blood was drawn from that but she was now totally open to my sword as I pull on my hilt my blade was traveling high speed to strike left side of her belly if this was a real sword it would cut her in half from her left side of her to right side of her underarm thankfully this was a wooden sword but it would still hurt a lot but as I was about to strike her. my body force itself to jump back all of my senses scream at me of that I was in danger. if I hadn't jump back as quickly as I had I would have fallen prey to what I noticed as soon as I landed. I saw it the floor around Lyn had frozen she had activated her ice magic. she had for the first time in our match made a face that show she was scared was it because she had drawn a little blood from my cheek or was the reality that she was about receive what would had been a deceive and very painful blow but I couldn't stop this emotion that beckon me forward if she was gonna show her cards I still have one of my own to play a smile creep on my face. ''REVAN STOP!, YOUR MAKING A VERY SCARY FACE!'' yelled Lyndis '' Stop, no this is not yet over you just showed me one your cards allow me to show you one of mine'' I heard myself saying in a dark tone.
Lyndis POV:
I was breathing raggedly I had been force to activate my magic, this boy had been unlike anything I had expected he had quickly predicted all my moves and counter them he hardly allow me time to regain my breath in that last exchange I was surprise when he started to move forward but his blade's tip went to the his back I thrusted my katana forward by reflex I try to pull back as I notice I was gonna hit him directly in the face to my surprise he tilted his to the right in the last second with craze smile on his face had he expected that from the beginning from the corner of my eye I saw his blade coming at me with freighting speed that strike was not only gonna be my defeat it carried a deathly purpose I would be lucky if I came out it with only broken ribs It was then I unthinking activated my magic ''Frost Aura'' but to my surprise as it was taking effect Revan manage not only to stop his attack but jump back avoiding the area of effect. the ground around me froze instantly Instructor went wide eye at sight of my magic or was it that whole exchange of blows that had him stunned just few minutes had pass since we began but I felt as if we had been at it for days to even greater surprise was the sight of Revan's smile became nastier his eyes were bloodshot I yelled at him to stop making such a face the instructors yelled that was enough but Revan was as if he couldn't hear them my uncle had told me about this. It was the state of craziness observed on the harshest battlefields Revan had become battle frenzy he no longer heard anything but what was necessary then he said something that shock me even further ''Stop, no this is not yet over you just showed me one your cards allow me to show you one of mine'' both his wrist twisting left and right his sword began moving as if as slithering snake what is this boy thinking I have shown him my magic and his still going to fight what is he going to do as I watch him I thought I could hear a far away voice calling us to stop but I didn't know , didn't care my brain , my body scream for me to not dare to let Revan off my sight. hiding my magic, the fear of been isolated because of it none of that matter any more at some point this had evolve into a real life or death battle the more I saw Revan the more my senses scream ''DEATH'' and it was fast approaching, then I noticed something strange the space around Revan began distorting small distortions all around him ''Don't tell me you also have magic'' I manage to whispered to myself and i felt something in my brain also snapped. this attack was not something ordinay. I must crush him now or I will die. I will use my full power or I get the feeling I wont survive.
''AHHHHHHHHHH!'' I yelled to top of my lungs mana all around me began forming according to my will all around me and also began covering my wooden katana ''Heavenly Blade: Silent Fang'' icicles form all around me and so I let another shout '' AHHHHHHH!'' all my icicles launch as if propel by war cry I also launch myself full speed raising my katana and then Revan body moved at speed that it seem he had disappear none of my icicle were even close to hitting me I couldn't see him but I could feel his sword coming for my neck but I would not go down with out fight i will take him down with me at least as thought this I saw him appear in front of me his sword inches away from the left side of my neck I swung my katana inbued with my ice magic in a move known Silent Fang it was aprentice level technique but one that would freeze anything that my blade cut, I had spend a whole year practicing this move and i was now unleashing at Revan's neck as both of us were about to meet our ends I saw a the figure of a blond man appear on Revan right side. Revan receibed a terrifying punch that send him flying the blond man pull on one of his daggers and also deflected my sword as I went wide eyes also felt incredible pain on my stomach and was also sent flying I saw my instructor had just deliver a powerful kick to the mouth of my stomach as my consciousness began fading all I could think about was ''Thank the Gods I am not gonna die''