Chapter 22: Small talk

***Steve P.O.V.

I kept learning new things about my pet, a master at using artifacts too now. I thought the collar was just for the contract but she could utilize it too.

'But that's not the real issue here, the real issue is that the collar doesn't allow you to teleport places for god's sake!!!' I screamed internally as my classmates introduce themselves one by one.

' What else you could do?' I looked at Cynthia who was cleaning her fur without a care for the world.

" Man, you outdid me in making a name for yourself as fast as possible. "Stella smirked before continuing," It would be tough to forget you after this. I must say that I'm a little jealous."

" Ohh, shut up. " I rolled my eyes as I relaxed on my seat.

"I don't want this attention. It only brings trouble if you are capable of handling it." I sighed before looking forward.

" Okay then, now that the introductions are out of the way let's move to the next thing." Professor Dumbbell clapped twice before turning around and walking to the projector screen.

" You all aspire to become someone great, whether it's for fame or to prove yourself worthy. You all need something to be with you during your journey, your weapon. " He waved his hand and the projection displayed all kinds of weapons.

" Here on tera, we provide you with a weapon that you need to use in your classes from now on. I know some of you could afford a better one yourself but it is not allowed."

" There is a very simple logic behind it, If you have a better weapon on the battlefield then it can decide whether you live or die but during the learning process a better weapon than everyone else will only become an obstacle in your growth. " There were around more than 300 types of weapons by rough estimate.

" You could choose a weapon of choice by utilizing the screens on your desk. I know that some of you completely rely on your magical or psychic powers but having a weapon could help you in difficult times." We started to use the projected screens to scroll through the weapon choices.

" You would be receiving your chosen weapon in the evening as well. Think carefully before making a choice. My advice for you would be to choose something that simple unless you were training with a certain weapon for years." He sat down on his seat and relaxed.

" The more simple it is, the fewer problems you will face as the terrain changes. Complex weapons might be powerful but they have limitations too that might cost you your life."

"I will be lenient for today since this is your first and I'm sure you guys like to make some new friends but make sure to create as little noise as you could while I do my work. "

" You are allowed to leave once you picked up your weapon if you like. " After saying his part, he started to do something with his screen and left us to our own devices.

" Hey, you guys plan on joining the freshman party that seniors organized in the evening?" Stella asked as she turned around once everyone else started to speak quietly too.

" That's the first time im heard about it, what about you Steve?"

" Same, how could compare our information gathering skills with Stella. I'm sure she had eyes and ears in every part of this Academy." Stella lightly punched me on the arm.

" Well, not in every part. " Stella mumbled before changing the topic, " So what's the deal with your contracted beast?"

" What do you mean? "

" You know, how the hell they allowed you to bring her in the class? " She raised her hands while widening her eyes.

" Well, it's mostly because unlike others, mine contracted beast is tiny and could be kept without disturbing others. "

" Still, having a cute creature like that around while we all study might prove to be distracting. " She tried to pat Cynthia but she just melted herself in shadow before the fingers could touch her fur.

" I was ordered to keep her in my shadow during classes and if she doesn't follow the rules then I have to leave in my room. " I got so many perks because the biology teacher was very fascinated with Cynthia and wanted to study her behavior.

" I see but I don't think cats are known for listening to others. They are little lords in their minds. How are you gonna make it work? " Liam asked as he scroll the screen.

" Technically it is possible to convey your thoughts and feelings to your contracted beast via the bond you share with them but I'm still learning to do that because it's not even two weeks since I contracted with her."

" We are still getting used to each other." I finally found what I was looking for.

A single-handed sword with a small guard and broad blade.

" Well, I hope you succeed in your mission. So, are you coming to the party or not?" Stella sighed loudly.

Liam and I both look at each other before he turned to her and replied," Sure why not. I don't see any problem."

"Great then. " She clapped become turning around and quickly scrolling down the screen before choosing a pair of daggers.

" A dagger, huh? That's a pretty advanced weapon even though it looks simple at first sight." Liam rubbed his chin as he looked at the screen.

" Tell me about it. It took years before I could wield it properly." She gave an exhausted smile.

" Really?" She had been training it for years. Will I be able to face these people with my mediocre training of a month?

"It's not much difficult to get used to them but the real problem starts after that. Daggers have a really short range of attack so you have to get in real close to your enemy before you could deal any damage while they could finish you as soon as you try to get close to them." She explained.

" Basically, you have to give up on your defense or be really agile otherwise you are just inviting trouble. " Liam elaborated.

" Anyway, see you guys later. I need to ask some other people about the party too. " We nodded as she quickly left.

" Meow," Cynthia remarked while looking at Stella.

" She sure is pretty agile. " Liam said before he shook his head.

" Should we leave? " I asked since he already chose his weapon.

" Yeah, let's. I need to arrange some things. " He said before getting up.

*** Isabel P.O.V.

" You going to party?" Ash asked daisy as we observed people talking to each other while the professor seemed to didn't care.

" You saying like we have a choice. " She rolled her eyes." It's more like a responsibility to us that we must attend to maintain our families image. "

He gave a weak smile at that. I wonder what happened between him and Charles that he is not following him like usual.

I signaled daisy with my eyes and she nodded.

" So do you know why the top rankers didn't give a speech at the entrance ceremony?" Daisy looked at Charles as she asked.

" Yeah, I wanted to see who the hell scored more than Sabrina. She had been first in girls as long as I knew her. " I couldn't help but wonder where the hell she came from to beat our cold beauty.

" Yeah, about that. Hehe." He gave an awkward smile as he scratched his cheek." You see, so -"