Unexpected Outcome

That night Max was informed by Matt about what happened while he was experiencing the terrifying amount of pain which clouded his mind, telling him of everything that happened and the dialogue the two had; learning that the woman from before was called Aphrodisia and that she was a Dragonborn, a shapeshifter race that seemed to have a connection with the Black Flames ability they possessed.

'We should find more information on the Dragonborn but from what it seems they are pretty secretive' Max pointed out what he thought and Matt agreed, she made it pretty obvious that she wasn't expecting other people to be listening to their conversation.

'There is someone that might be willing to help us in that regard though' Matt hinted and Max was already of who it was.

'Alexander'

***

After the informative conversation they had last night Max already knew what he was supposed to do for today.

"Teacher, do you mind sparring a few words with me after training?" Max was currently lined up alongside the other students from his class. The question was a simple one but the students around him were slightly taken aback.

'That is something new' This of course wasn't what all of them thought but their ideas were rounded to match it. Nobody asked for a teacher to stay behind as it might seem really disrespectful toward them, such an action normally implying that they didn't do a good enough job at instructing that respective person.

"I don't have anything against that but I have to advise you: if it's about that... then don't waste your time as I won't tell you anything about it" Alexander responded in a threatening tone.

'It's not about you almost having intercourse with the nurse!' Max wanted to rebuke but he kept quiet as that might bring him a lot of troubles.

"Alright then, let's start with today's teachings. I have assessed the power level each of you possesses and let's just say that it's an average score. I would highly advise each one of you to not think of yourselves highly for this achievement as your class ranking might change from this kind of thinking. Laziness from accidental success isn't a great thing."

The lecture went on right after and Alexander gave them more insight on what they lacked in as some had yet to grasp the recommendations he gave them last time. During that time Max stood around, looking at the others that tried different styles of using their elements or changing their patterns in attacking midway through execution, making the attacks less readable.

"Now it's your turn Max" Alexander finally reached Max who he left for last, wanting to instruct in a more in-depth manner than the others.

"What you lack is simple but difficult at the same time. Your attacks were great, they packed power and speed, your body was agile and you were able to think quickly while in battle; these are all great assets but what you lack is a lot more important. Abilities" Alexander praised Max before getting to the main part of the conversation.

"Because you lack them you'll be readable after using your ability for the first time in a fight. I understand that you have a rare element but that doesn't mean that you should give up on the search for books and manuals for it. Have you been able to find something yet?" At Alexander's question, Max shook his head and the negative response of Max made Alexander furrow his brows.

"I'll see what I can do then… Otherwise, you will have to compensate your lack of abilities with versability but that won't always work; using the second method also requires a lot of control and proficiency of that ability."

"Thank you, teacher!" Max bowed his head slightly before straightening his back. He didn't know where to start when it came to creating abilities as he didn't even have basic information about the darkness element, establishing it on his own would take a long time to do after all.

"For now, raise your control over the flames and find original ways to use them. I don't know if you noticed but your ability is able to absorb the power of others to make itself more powerful, I suggest you also think about a way to evolve its power." Alexander communicated his last thoughts on the matter before turning around and looking at the other students; he was now done giving them advice but a more tedious task was at hand next, guiding them through and giving examples.

This process seems to be the same as the last but in fact, it was harder. Giving them an idea was something but guiding them into making that idea reality was something else entirely. The advice told them about changing what their bodies already got accustomed to and it was hard to completely break a cycle that felt natural to an individual.

Four hours of continuous labor passed by and Max was waiting for his classmates to leave so he can have his private conversation with Alexander as promised. A few minutes later everyone left and Max was left standing in front of his teacher who had an expectant look.

"From what it seems… you don't want to talk about that" Alexander felt relieved after realizing that, it wasn't only for his reputation that he was trying to keep that scene hidden but it was also because he would get punished for instigating an act while in the academy building.

"I don't really mind what happens between you two, I only have a favor to ask of you." Max then stated his purpose with a sharp gaze which was fixated on Alexander.

"Go on," He motioned for Max to continue but shortly thought he shouldn't have.

"I know that the nurse is a Dragonborn and I want you to tell me information about this species. I know that you have a lot of insight in them from lady Aphrodisia." Max's request sounded more like a threat.

"What? I-I have so many things to ask you now…" Alexander was caught by surprise from all the information Max knew and as a result stuttered in the beginning.

"Please, I need to know about them. Even if it's just a little." Max tried to push his teacher into telling him but was surprised by the response.

"No. I have no right to tell you about their secrets." Alexander recollected himself and was now trembling; not because of fear but from anger.

"I am a trusted individual from her clan and I won't ruin my reputation because of some beta listening into a conversation he shouldn't have." Alexander raised his tone and even grabbed Max by the collar, lifting him in the air.

"I-I am sorry!" Max pledged but there was no change to Alexander's expression.

"Shut up and come along," Alexander wanted to hurt Max but he managed to stop himself from doing so. Letting go of Max he turned around, walking toward the academy building.

Max already knew where he was heading to though and he hung his head low being too afraid to raise it and face Alexander; not knowing why, he understood that the request gravely insulted the latter. They both walked the empty corridors of the academy before arriving in front of a double door, the sight of it terrifying Max.

'What did I do?!' He yelled but only inside his thoughts as he didn't have the guts to voice his question.

"Go inside." It was an absolute order given by Alexander so Max had to obey, he didn't have the strength to resist those words.

The door opened and a silhouette made its appearance after the two managed to walk a few steps inside the room.

"Ali!... Oh…" At first Aphrodisia was exhilarated from knowing that her dear Alexander was here but after seeing Max she felt perplexed by the situation.

"What has happened?" She asked, gesturing with her hands which gave the message to follow her.