Chapter 5

"Today we will be holding practical training, if you have been neglecting your practical abilities then your grades will go down."

As the teacher declared the mandatory activity the class collectively groaned. All though they aren't necessarily lazy, they don't really train hard since most of them possess fractured abilities or magic.

"As an added incentive anybody who is believed to be underperforming or slacking will receive additional work."

Everyone collectively gulped in worry. The majority of the students had already been slacking considerably in their studies. An extra load of work would completely ruin their lives as they would be so deep in work, they wouldn't have time for anything else.

"Th-this is bad."

"If we get any more work, we won't be able to keep up with our hobbies."

"What are you guys talking about?"

Aaron looked at the two Ian's in confusion as they trembled at the thought of losing their hobbies. The Ian's just so happen to be part of the majority that neglect their studies.

"Why are you guys so worried? You've been keeping up with your studies so there isn't anything to be concerned about."

""...""

"You have been keeping up with your studies, right?"

""...""

"You two aren't suggesting that you have been neglecting your studies in favor of spending more time on your hobbies?"

""...""

"..."

""...""

"I will overlook it this one time if you promise to keep up with your studies from now on."

""Thank you oh gracious one!""

While the Ian's were protesting themselves to Aaron as if he was Buddha incarnate, one of the students was looking at the rest with a look of disappointment.

"This is sad. They all forego their studies to enjoy temporary pleasures. I will never understand them."

"Rylo, the weird one is you."

"What are you talking about Tsu?"

The girl sitting next to the boy, Rylo, got up and slammed her hand down on his desk. The boy stared at her with a questioning stare as he adjusted his glasses.

"Don't act like you don't know! All you ever do is study and train! You barely spend any time with us!"

"Tsu, you should be nicer to Rylo. It's very important for him to study so he can do well in the future."

Another girl got up and started arguing with the other one. The two looked exactly alike, indicating that they are a fractured duo. The first girl turned around and started arguing with the second.

"Who cares about the future! I want him now!"

"What are you two talking about?"

""Nothing!""

The two of them shouted at Rylo, Tsu getting angry and the second girl getting shy and blushing. Rylo gave the two of them a weird look before returning his attention to the notebook in his hands.

"Now then if everyone will make their way calmly down to the arena so we can get the exercise started."

At the arena the teacher was separating students into sparring groups to be evaluated by the observers.

"Rylo and Aaron, you to will be heading to sight 13. When you get there feel free to pick out whatever weapon you want. Just remember that killing or crippling your sparring partner is strictly forbidden."

""Yes sir.""

Aaron made his way over to the designated area. His sparring partner, Rylo, walked slightly ahead of him.

As Aaron was looking at Rylo he got the distinct impression that Rylo was irritated by something. He kept looking around and frowning at all the other students.

When they got to the area Aaron picked a metal staff out of the weapon case. Rylo retrieved a pair of energy pistols.

"Please take your positions. I will signal you to begin. You will spar for the given duration of time. You will be graded on your performance during the duration."

Aaron hoisted his staff as Rylo took a stance with his guns.

"Begin!"

At the observer's declaration Aaron rushed towards Rylo. Rylo aimed his pistol and fired several shots.

"Reinforce, strengthen."

Aaron muttered a chant under his breath. His body started glowing as veins of light covered his body. Aaron dodged most of the bullets and deflected the rest with his staff. As Aaron approached Rylo, Rylo backed up and chanted a spell.

"Barrier."

Suddenly a barrier materialised in front of Aaron. He leaped to his right to avoid the sudden wall. However, Rylo wasn't one to give up an opportunity.

"Barrier! Barrier! Barrier!"

Rylo created three more barriers. Rylo manipulated the barriers to surround Aaron. Aaron didn't give him a chance and kept out of the way. Rylo manipulated the barriers to black Aaron's path as he fired off several shots.

"Strengthen 2, reinforce 2."

Aaron chanted again. The veins on his body increased in number and intensity. Aaron dashed past the barriers and rapidly approached Rylo. As soon as Aaron got in range, he struck out with a blow towards Rylo's shoulder.

"Barrier!"

Rylo created another barrier just in time to block Aaron's blow. Aaron repeatedly struck the barrier causing it to tremble. As Rylo tried to distance himself from Aaron circled around to his left and struck the ground, sending rocks flying at Rylo.

"Barrier!"

Rylo created another barrier and deflected the blast of rocks. In that time Aaron circled around him again and struck once more.

Rylo gritted his teeth and surrounded himself with his barriers. Aaron struck one and used the force to gain some distance from Rylo.

"Seriously, it's like you're moving fortress. This is a real pain in the ass."

"That is the idea. The spatial barriers keep opponents away which gives me plenty of room to unleash bullets upon them. Simple, yet effective."

"Well, can't say I really have a strategy going into things. I'm more a responder than a dealer, you know?"

"I do. Though I personally don't plan on adopting such a strategy, I can see the logic behind it."

"Well then, I believe that's enough chit chat. Let's get back to the fight."

"Fair enough."

Aaron gripped his staff as he rushed at Rylo. Rylo manipulated his barriers forming a wall against Aaron. The veins on Aaron's body began growing once again, getting even brighter as he approached Rylo. Grinning slightly Aaron chanted quietly.

"Reinforce 3, strengthen 3."