Magical Theory, Crest Utilisation & Duelling Practice
The next day, Mason heads to class with Cole.
‘Magical Theory.’
Mason can’t help but think that this class seems like it would be a waste of time. This sentiment is clearly shared as proven by the bored expressions of other students sitting in the class. The classroom lacks the energy of the other classes. Here, everyone is sitting at a desk, waiting for the teacher. Mason notices that Will, the boy who was being picked on in the offensive spells class, is being taunted by Sawyer in this class.
‘Poor kid. Looks like he can't catch a break.’
Mason looks around the class and notices the serious girl with the white hair and bright blue eyes is in this class.
Mason sits down and shortly after, the teacher enters. The teacher has a demeanour of seriousness and silence, but his silence speaks a thousand words and it’s obvious that even for a teacher, he has some serious magical power.
“I’m Haemish Hamlin, your professor. But I'm accustomed to being called by my family name first, so please call me ‘Hamlin Haemish’ or even ‘Professor Haemish’ if you’re so inclined.”
The professor walks to the front of the class.
“I know what you’re thinking. Magical theory, how dull. You may think so, but if you have knowledge of the inner workings of magic, you can use it to your advantage in combat. If you have knowledge of the history of this world, you may even uncover secrets and treasures of the past. There are many useful advantages to knowing the theory of magic.”
The teacher begins his lecture.
“Now, who can tell me why we are forbidden from revealing magic to the outside world?”
The girl with the white hair and blue eyes raises her hand. Hamlin looks over at her.
“What is your name?”
The girl responds with a serious expression.
“Priscilla Summersteen.”
Hamlin begins to engage her in conversation.
“Then, Priscilla, what is your answer?”
Priscilla responds in a manner almost akin to a soldier responding to their commander. The answer, drilled into her mind and placed onto an untouchable pedestal.
“To prevent those who are unworthy and evil from attaining the power to harm and dominate others.”
Hamlin rejects this answer.
“Wrong.”
The girl looks offended as Hamlin speaks.
“We are forbidden because that is the law set by the 12 families. Nothing more, nothing less. If everyone in the world knew magic, it would be difficult for them to keep peace and keep everyone under control, even though they have power over the elected governments of the magus world.”
The girl begins to get annoyed as she strikes back.
“You’re wrong. The prevention of the unworthy and evil from attaining magic is the sole reason for the separation of our world and the normal world.”
Through their brief conversation, Hamlin seems to have discovered a deep secret about Priscilla. He tests his theory with his next response.
“Men will always war. And the introduction of magic would lead to even greater wars. There is no such thing as an ‘unworthy’ person, regardless of what they taught you in ‘The Jaeger’.”
The girl looks surprised and instead of responding, she storms out of the classroom. After she leaves, Hamlin continues to speak.
“Foolish girl. She’d say that the evil people of the world are prevented from attaining magic. The real demons are already amongst us.”
The class seems tense as they all look at Hamlin.
“Evil people are not exclusive to the normal world. We are all humans. People kill, people steal, people hunger. Magic doesn't change that.”
Hamlin asks his next question.
“What do you all hope to accomplish at this school?”
Hamlin points at Mason.
“You there. Why do you attend this school? Why do you want to be a Magus?”
Mason thinks about his father and the book that he received from him.
“Because it’s my destiny. I want to be a great magus like my father.”
Hamlin stops for a moment.
“Following in your father's footsteps? Many of you in this class will be here because you want to lead your family, bring them honour, maybe do something prestigious. But every man should make their own destiny.”
Hamlin stands next to Mason and looks down at him as he asks his next question.
“I forgot to ask, what is your name?”
Mason pauses.
“Mason Flintwood.”
Hamlin seems surprised and he looks down at Mason’s family crest and can see that he isn't lying.
“Flintwood?”
Mason and Hamlin make eye contact. Despite it being only for a brief moment, it’s clear to Mason that Hamlin is familiar with his father.
However, the topic quickly changes as Hamlin begins to question other students.
After class, Mason begins to wander around the school. In a nearly secluded part of the school, Mason hears a female voice speaking and begins to walk towards it.
“It appears that somebody in this school has uncovered my identity. A teacher. I’m not sure how it happened, I was so careful.”
Mason gets closer to the voice and recognises it as Priscilla's voice. However, he cannot make out what she is saying. A male voice responds.
“You must find ‘The Black Mage’ as quickly as possible. Before the ‘Dark Regulators’ discover that he is at the school.”
Priscilla responds.
“Understood. Communication over.”
Mason hears Priscilla begin walking and doesn't want to seem like he is eavesdropping, so he hides as Priscilla leaves.
“Weird. I wonder who she was talking too. On the other hand…”
Mason thinks about the serious demeanour of Priscilla.
“...Maybe, it’s best that I don't question it.”
The next day is Mason’s fourth class of the week, Crest Utilisation. This class takes place in one of the outside duelling arenas. As they wait for the teacher Cole speaks with Mason.
“Do you have any idea what your family crest is?”
Mason looks at his hand in confusion.
“I have no clue. My father disappeared before he could tell me.”
Mason thinks to himself.
‘The book doesn't mention what it is either.’
The teacher arrives.
“Hello everyone. I’m Professor Norman. I’ll be teaching you how to utilise your crest abilities in combat. Each magical family has a unique ability given to them by their lineage. You can use these to your advantage to surprise your foes and force them to adapt to an unseen ability.”
The professor questions the class.
“I assume everybody here knows a little about their crest ability from their parents. If not, you’ll quickly find it out so don't worry yourself.”
The professor looks at the class.
“This is a class with no set curriculum. As each ability is unique, you will all advance them in different ways. And as there is no precedent, there is no expectation other than that you try your best.”
The professor raises a finger, almost as if he has just remembered something.
“I should let you all know, there are different types of family crests. But many can be categorised into different types. One type of family crest gives the user an ability that manipulates the environment, known as a ‘Zoning’ crest. To the opponent, these crest abilities will make them feel like they have almost been transported into a different world. Transported to a stage that is controlled by their ability. Just something for you to look out for if you come across one during a duel.”
As the class goes by, Mason cannot activate his family crest nor figure out what it is. The teacher assures him that there is no pressure, but he can’t help but feel let down. After class, he heads to bed and sleeps until the next day.
Then, the last class of the week comes, ‘Practice Duelling’.
Many students stand inside of a small arena outside of the school. The students are nervous about the class. From the arena stands, it’s possible to see every student's ranking. Professor Norman shows up at the class.
“Hello everybody, I’ve already met some of you. For those of you who I haven't met, I’m Professor Norman and I teach Crest Utilisation. Different teachers cover practice duelling each week and there will be different members of the class each week. In some cases, you can even request to duel a particular student if you both agree to it. The point of this class is to put together everything you’ve learned in the week and see how you match up against your classmates. Then, you will receive a ranking. Your ranking goes up or down, depending on how much you win or lose. Don’t feel bad about losing, it happens to everyone.”
Everyone is tense as this first win or loss will reflect their initial ranking on the leaderboard.
The names begin to be called. The duels are not so spectacular as the students are still beginners. Then Mason’s name is called.
“The next students to duel. Flintwood and Barrows.”
Mason and Cole stand on opposing sides of the arena. Cole quips about the situation.
“Who would have guessed that our first duel would be against each other.”
Mason is nervous, knowing that Cole has more experience than him. Mason takes the initiative.
“Fire!”
Cole blocks.
“Three point block!”
Cole smiles.
“Let’s get this over quickly.”
Cole raises one arm into the air.
“Barrows family crest, ‘Blazing Phoenix’!”
Suddenly, a phoenix made of flames begins to swoop down towards Mason.
“Three point block!”
When the phoenix reaches Mason, it shatters the block and throws Mason to the ground.
With that, the professor announced.
“Duel over. Barrows victory.”
Cole walks over to Mason and helps him off of the ground. Mason looks at Cole.
“Next time, I’ll win for sure.”
Cole looks back at Mason.
“I look forward to it.”
