Subjects

That was truly an unexpected find during his History class.

After summoning it, only now was he able to glimpse at some information specifically about the black ring.

He did try material analysis and physical inspection at some point but nothing notably special comes up with any of the trials he has performed, and he was unable to get anything at all from these researches.

Great Merlin's ring! Literally!

Although it isn't very comprehensive, he was able to at the very least understand it a little bit more about this mysterious black ring who constantly gnaws at his magic reserves albeit not as much as it did at their first meeting.

'So it was originally worn by the great Merlin, and through this ring he was able to get access to the power that is able to banish anyone from this world into God knows where. A power called 'authority' at the cost of losing the ring is somewhat a bit of a a loss if you ask me. Aside from the fact that it reduces casting time and magic consumption it also offers protection against fear, illnesses, and some low level curses making it very useful.

Why did Merlin choose to banish them instead of just eliminating everyone? He did after all have enough power to kill them instead, right? Is he some kind of hero wannabe? An idealist perhaps? The greatest wizard to have ever lived? These are questions I can never answer until I get information and proof things that are very scarce and protected can't be so easily accessed since Merlin himself restricted leakage of his personal information.'

Freeing himself from his thoughts from the matters of the ring, he was honestly shocked about Durmstrang's facilities, curriculum and as a whole, Durmstrang itself. It was very different from his previous expectations.

'Why is Durmstrang sooo damn different from my expectations? Comparing it with Hogwarts? Hogwarts where they teach students how to turn a matchstick into a needle, which is mehh something a five year old should be doing, make a feather float, and summon a little light from their wands, both being control practice, also should have been taught earlier. Simply incomparable. Durmstrang is so advanced that a graduate here fighting someone who graduated from Hogwarts would be a total abuse. I did expect it to be a little different but not to this extent. Oh hell no don't go looking at me for changing anything. I'm pretty sure this has got nothing to do with me as I haven't been doing anything that might affect the whole plot to go haywire. Well nothing yet, at the very least.

That leaves it to two possibilities, it can either be Medved's really that good or Karakov's machinations sabotaged her work after being replaced.'

Viktor didn't really care that much either way. He headed down to grab his lunch in the mess hall. He finished the sumptuous meal rather quickly, and he ended up with ample of rest time before his afternoon classes.

Talking about classes, Durmstrang does not offer the same morning subjects at the same day. Today, we had Transmutation and History, tomorrow is going to be Potioneering and Muggle Studies, the day after that, we are having Herbology and Arithmancy, then we have Magic Theory and Spellcraft on Thursdays, Theoretical Enchantments and Magic Beast Zoology on Fridays and a single subject which is the Wizarding Laws on Saturdays. Sunday is a rest day where people can go home or do anything really as long as one knows their boundaries then its good. Getting back to class is simple, apparation is available outside the castle gates so one can apparate back to Durmstrang's gate anytime of the day, they just have to make sure they're not late for class comes Monday.

The ship? The ship is just for traditional sakes as it is apparently required for freshmen classes to take the trip, although some upper-class men do like enjoy themselves on the relaxing trip on the ship while thinking it's a vacation of some sort. Anyway, everyone is weird for their own good and I don't really have to ride that slow ship at all any more than necessary.

Afternoon classes on the other hand is going to be the same from Monday to Friday having Magic Combat from one to three and Physical Combat from three thirty to five thirty as for Saturday afternoon, it is a free for all type of training day where one can finish homeworks, projects, or train in magic, their physique or simply read a book.

"Greetings everyone! I am Elizalde Vi Soriano, the magic combat teacher. Do any of you have any questions for me before the beginning of class?"

"..."

The teacher did not look like a teacher at all. He is about seven feet tall, maybe more, with intimidating eyes, scarred face, and huge bulging muscles. He stood in front of the class wearing white sleeveless dojo garb with a strange symbol at the back. It was most probably designed to allow freedom of movement, a matching shaolin pants, a straw sandals, and a black belt. If one was to guess, it would most likely be him who would be pointed out as the Physical Combat instructor than the Magic one based on looks alone.

'Looks might be deceiving. It won't hurt to be careful' Is what's running in the student's heads at the moment since none of them knew anything about the professors aside from rumors they heard while listening to the seniors talking. No one raised their hands, unwilling to test the waters.

Looking around with none raising their heads to meet his eyes he shook his head and continued.

"Okay.... None at the moment but I hope some questions will be asked later on if some of you find something unclear so we don't have much problems in the near future. Alright! Let me explain to you the rules in my class, there's only one, DO! AS! I! SAY! That's it! In my field, I AM THE LAW, now you punks got a problem with that?! Agai.... Oh what's your deal boy?"

"Sir I'm just wondering what happens in the non-zero chance that some of us might in the future NOT be able to follow your directions? What would happen then? Are we going to be court martialed or something?"

"No, not court martialed. Killed. You will be killed. You must remember that in a team, weaker links at the chain will only cause the chain to break. Those who desert from active duty could, will and deserve to die. For if someone deserts none will be left to guard our loved ones. Fear will fester onto the hearts of those who remain, in their mind thinking of running away as well and running away means defeat, defeat means death... Or suffering. Then what happens to the people who are the reason for us studying the arts and ways of using magic in combat? Do we only learn to run in the face of danger? Or do we fight to bet our lives on the line for the people behind us? There is no place for fools here boy. Only cowards. Cowards who are willing to be brave for something. If you are not that, then feel free to go as the door is always open to those who want to quit. Remember, passing this subject is a must for those who stay, and I'm your only way through that."

After a slight pause he resumed.

"Now tell me. What is the most important thing when fighting with magic?"

" Attack spells?"

A student raised his hand and answered once he was given permission.

"Yes. It could be. But what do you do when your enemy has the upper hand?"

"Defensive spells!"

Another student chipped in after getting permission to speak.

"True, but I'm sure you already know that you can only take a beating by being on the defensive side of a battle especially when you have a smaller amount of magic than your foe. What would happen then?"

"Element of surprise!"

"That is a very good answer. It saves you from the danger of having to have an exchange of spells with the other party. You get to save magic reserves and fight more battles. All points considered its a very efficient way to win. Except it is frowned upon by the majority of wizards who are bent on fair duels and whatnot. I can see that you already have an idea of what you are to do in battle... There is actually no single answer to the question as answers would vary depending on the person.

Today is 'duel day' reading and knowing is one thing, but doing is another. There's basically no point in knowing if what you know in your head cannot be applied in reality, is there? Let me tell you what you can and not do during your duels....."

The professor explained rules such as prohibition of dangerous spells that may cause grievous damage to the students and other miscellaneous things like wizarding etiquette on duels.