The Ark Of Weak Elemental Power

"This kid was amazing at dodging Rina and predicting what the Flower Mage's next step would be. It was as if she could hear what Rina was thinking. Even when forced with no option of escape, Midori could make fast decisions to get herself out."

"But Rina was right about one thing; Midori lacks the Elemental skill to fight another Mage."

"How could that be? Midori has got the most Elemental Energy out of the five of them. Is there something wrong with her?" asked Bryan, worried about the eldest kid.

"There's nothing wrong with her. Midori isn't very good at casting spells. Based on my previous knowledge about the Arks, her Elemental Power would be barely passable within the Tryouts held for recruits. Amani had more Elemental Power in his beasts than Midori's Blue Tree Meadow."

"The damage done by her blade would be higher than her strongest Elemental Spell," reasoned Ashley, taking a glance at Midori.

The child seemed cheerful as she playfully chased the other girls around. Midori's frown was gone. It was as if the altercation from before hadn't happened at all. It looks like these kids know how to draw the line on their emotions when playing.

"That means I have to pay extra attention to her. Using Elemental Spells is important to the world of Mages, not to mention its basic survival for most of us. If Midori doesn't live up to expectations, I'm afraid that she won't be accepted into the Arks," said Mavislin, looking downwards.

"Not really. It is vital to have strong offensive spells, but it isn't necessary to be in the Arks. So long as you aren't vying for a high-ranking position such as the Glorybringers, Midori should have no problem being the Arks. And each case varies.

"I don't mind it, but having a good saber without a strong Elemental Power wouldn't be too bad for me. It's up to you, Mav, to determine if Midori can be in your Ark., But the last say for the matter would be by the Headmaster and High Queen. They would be the best advisors on this matter."

Baldwin leaned forwards to get closer to Mavislin. The Valkyrie was curious.

"Take it from me, kid. Don't train the kids too hard on what they lack. Sometimes you can focus on what are their strong aspects. There's no point in forcing a fish to fly. And use it to your advantage within the battlefield. I'm not going to force a bishop to be a rook."

"Long story not very short, let's not pressure the kids too much," advised Baldwin.

"I guess you are right... And there isn't any rush for them right now. I've chosen them because of their different expertise. I was worried that Headmaster might see this as a flop. But, ultimately, the kids weren't supposed to be here since I was supposed to put them down."

Everyone on the mat had a look of shock as the last sentence tumbled out from the Valkyrie's mouth.

"Put them down? The Headmaster asked for their deaths?!" asked Ashley, looking horrified.

"Even I have no clue that the Headmaster had passed down a command like that. Since when did Gillian make such a request from you?" asked Baldwin, concerned.

"Why do you look so surprised, Baldwin? I thought you would have known what the couple planned to do before they announced it."

Mavislin stared at Baldwin with eyes of sadness. Tomoe caught the Valkyrie's look and felt sorry for the Founders. Of course, they wanted to build a haven for all Mages to call home, but sometimes, the most challenging choices must be made so that the majority could prevail.

It isn't cruel; it's called survival. To Tomoe, Baldwin was as naive as Raiyen. Both men had one thing in common; their emotions make their conclusions. They lacked the key to seeing beyond the situation, unable to think for the long run or see the bigger pictures.

But it depends on how you look at a scenario. One might look at it negatively, like how Mavislin saw the prolonged fight between Rina and Midori. And another would see that altercation as a positive thing, such as Duncan defending Midori or Ashley's reports about the kid's fighting skills.

Baldwin's right to be upset and angry at Gillian's request to put victims down was justifiable. However, the Angry Man would have been easily swayed by the Headmaster's reasoning. Those who use emotions to think are as such, according to Tomoe.

That's why the Kitsune didn't like his master all that much. Raiyen could not understand why Tomoe had become sentient and rebelled against his enslaver. Thus, Raiyen was enraged and got into a fight with Tomoe. And choosing to kick Tomoe out resulted from the conflict.