"I think this is a good time to explain why our Beastblades look different from one another,"
A nasal, relaxed voice said. His slow tone was odd, as if he were constantly yawning. A round, muscular man stood between Bella and the bowl-cut hair. He wore a gown, one that people wear to sleep. He was only wearing slippers, and his toenails were exposed. This rather large individual is also unusually hairless.
Behind this large individual is a crowd of apprentices, forming a crescent around us.
The bow-cut boy froze in terror. He must've thought he was in trouble for brandishing his Beastblade in such an aggressive manner. In his hand is his hammer.
Is he an instructor?
"As you can see, Jared's Beastblade is a hammer," the hairless man pointed at the bowl-cut boy, "While Bella's Beastblade is a butter knife," he pointed at me next.
Bella slowly got back on her feet, and she looked around to search for me. Once she did, she picked me up and held me tight, facing the big, fat man.
"Master Boros," from the crowd, Alexios spoke, "That hammer doesn't have a blade, is it still considered a Beastblade?"
"Of course," Master Boros chuckled, "When a Beastblade is forged, it takes the form of its wielder's deepest attributes," he explained.
Boros stepped in front of the grassy clearing, and the crowd followed. Jared soon blended with the others, while Bella stayed at the front.
"Today, Beastblades are reforged from the steel of other, earlier Beastblades. These predecessors were once mighty weapons used purely for war. But over the years, the steel was repeatedly divided and reforged until it spread worldwide, and its form became more mundane and less lethal. At least, that's how the Heavenly Forge explains it."
Heavenly Forge? Is that where Beastblades are made? If so, is that where I came from?
"Are you saying Beastblades are all connected?"
"Related, my dear apprentice," Master Boros turns to face the sun, "Beastblades all over the world came from one, singular origin. It came from one source, even the first Beastblades. It had to be."
"I think Master Boros is crazy!" someone behind Bella whispered. I agree.
He is nuts!
Master Boros continued to bask in the sun, taking in the warmth, "And that is why his hammer, her butter knife, and your Beastblades are different and related at the same time."
"So, same steel, different form, got it," Alexios sneered. There was a tinge of bitterness in the way he said it, "But it's not the case for its powers, right? I mean, Master Lupin said that each Beastblade possesses a living soul. So, how is it that every Beastblade came from one source?"
Heh, I'm starting to like this kid.
"Yes, a Beastblade's soul is unique. Think of it this way, our Beastblades are merely children of the one parent," Master turns to face the apprentice, "The Mother Blade."
There was a collective, suppressed groan from the apprentices. I even heard Bella click her tongue. Some were shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. Even Alexios sighed and crossed his arms before joining the crowd.
"Now, now," Master Boros softly clapped his hands together, "The theories of the Ministry and the doctrine of the Order can sometimes work hand in hand, even the smiths of the Heavenly Forge have their own opinions! As your instructor for the Beastblade theory class, I wish for every one of you to have an open mind."
Order? What is the deal with them, and why does everyone here seem to disagree with them?
The crowd started mumbling and whispering until it grew louder by the second. It seems there is a growing disgruntlement among Master Boros' class.
"Settle down, children," Master Boros waved his hands, imploring everyone's attention, "I need everyone to participate in our activity today. I want you to show us your Beastblades!"
A show and tell? Interesting. From what I've seen of Bella, I bet she won't hesitate to show me off!
Master Boros took out a dagger from his back. His dagger was curved, and the hilt was ornate with jewelry. It looked exotic. Then he pressed the hilt between two fingers of his other hand. The diamond in the center glowed, and a small ritual circle, similar to the assessment ceremony, formed beneath us.
Everyone, including Bella, was awed. To be fair, it was impressive, considering it was my first time seeing something like that!
"Let's start with a volunteer!" Master Boros enthusiastically said, looking for the first apprentice to go from the crowd, "Just introduce yourself and tell us your Beastblade's properties!"
Soon enough, and predictably, Alexios Redvine stepped in. He was confident as he unsheathed his sword. The moment he stepped inside the circle, his Beastblade's divine properties popped into existence like a bubble, and the floating texts manifested above his weapon.
"My name is Alexios Redvine!" the young man said. He rests his hand on his hip, looking at everyone.
The young girls of the class were ogling him. I sensed the seeds of fanaticism brewing. But my eyes were on his divine properties.
[Sword of the Punching Dragon]
B-Class Beastblade
Affinity: Fire
There's no ability? I guess the owner can only see it. There's no soul counter, too. It seems I can only see mine. I wonder if that's the same with other Beastblades. Come to think of it, are Beastblades sentient like me?
Alexios continued presenting, "I won't tell you my abilities," he said, then stepped out of the ritual circle.
The girls in the class were elated, and there was a hushed squeal. The boys, however, were not impressed by his nonchalantness. But Bella was sure blushing.
The joys of youth! Enjoy your pleasant days, kids, because—
Before Master Boros could ask for the next person, Bella ran to the circle at full speed. Her energy was suppressed, and I could feel she hesitated for a moment, but she jumped in the middle when Alexios hadn't even returned to the crowd.
Alexios glanced back, shocked by what he witnessed. I could tell he recognized Bella from that bowl-cut incident.
"My name is Bella Evermore!" she proudly announced herself while holding me up in the air. She posed elegantly, as if she were a statue.
Master Boros was smiling, clapping his hands slowly together. He liked the energy.
[Evermore Butter Knife]
F-Class Beastblade
Affinity: Butter
I was expecting laughter, but since Bella made a threat as a first impression, she was greeted with a deadpan cheer and subdued approval.
"I have no abilities yet!" Bella said, her fangs on full display. What a menace.