The rhythmic clang of metal against metal echoed through the barracks, a welcome change from the usual cacophony of Drill Sergeant barked orders and groaning recruits. It was uniform distribution day, a small respite from the relentless training. Andre, his muscles still stiff from the previous day's exertion, shuffled forward with the rest of the conscripts, a sliver of hope flickering in his chest. A decent uniform – that would be a step up from the threadbare tunics they were currently forced to wear.
As he reached the front of the line, a wiry Quartermaster, his face etched with years of service, barked, "Name?"
"Andre," he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.
The Quartermaster grunted, rummaging through a pile of folded garments. Finally, he pulled out a uniform and tossed it at Andre's chest. "Here. Jade green tunic, black leather pants, and greaves. Don't expect anything fancy, conscript."
Andre caught the bundle and unfolded it carefully. The jade green tunic, a deep emerald that shimmered slightly in the dim light, was made of a surprisingly smooth fabric that felt surprisingly comfortable. Black leather pants, sturdy and well-maintained, completed the lower half. Black leather greaves, reinforced with bands of polished steel, promised some much-needed protection during training. Finally, a simple black belt finished the ensemble.
It wasn't the most ornate uniform Andre had ever seen, but compared to the rags he'd been wearing, it felt like a mark of distinction. He retreated to a corner, his movements stiff with soreness, and hurriedly changed. The clothes, surprisingly, fit almost perfectly, a testament to the meticulous measurements taken during processing.
He emerged from the makeshift changing area, feeling a newfound sense of confidence. The uniform, though simple, held a subtle air of power, a stark contrast to the cowering recruits around him. As he glanced around, he noticed a couple of the other conscripts eyeing him with a mix of envy and curiosity.
A loud clang from a metal gong shattered the relative quiet. "Chow time, maggots!" bellowed a Drill Sergeant. Andre's stomach rumbled in agreement. Maybe, just maybe, the food would be better today.
The mess hall was a cavernous room, bustling with the activity of hungry recruits. Gone were the watery stews and stale bread of the training ground. Here, large metal trays overflowed with steaming food. Roast chicken, its skin golden brown and crispy, sent a delicious aroma wafting through the air. Fluffy white rice nestled beside mountains of stir-fried vegetables, their vibrant colors a feast for the eyes. There were even bowls of stewed fruit, a sweet contrast to the savory dishes.
Andre piled his plate with a healthy serving of everything, his mouth watering in anticipation. The first bite of chicken was a revelation. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, it was a stark contrast to the bland fare they had been subjected to. He devoured his meal with gusto, savoring each bite. For the first time since his arrival, a feeling of contentment settled in his stomach, pushing aside the gnawing hunger that had been his constant companion.
As the recruits finished their meal, the clatter of plates subsided, replaced by a tense silence. A tall, gaunt figure strode into the hall, his movements imbued with a predatory grace. This was Drill Master Varro, and the air crackled with nervous anticipation.
He slammed a thick book onto a table at the front of the room, its worn leather cover embossed with arcane symbols. "Alright, maggots," he growled, his voice like gravel scraping against stone. "Welcome to Warcasting 202. Today's lesson: the fundamentals of channeling your magic energy into blasts. Now how many of you have magic."
A few dozen people raised their hands including Andre.
Drill Sergeant Varro sighed.
"Non magic users to the next room"
A collective murmur rippled through the recruits. Warcasting? These were not things they had been prepared for. Andre felt a jolt of excitement course through him. This was something new, something that went beyond the grueling physical training. Perhaps, just perhaps, this was where things would truly get interesting.
Drill Master Varro cracked a cruel smile, his gaze sweeping over the apprehensive faces before him. "Don't get too excited, maggots," he sneered. "Warcasting ain't some parlor trick. It takes discipline, focus, and a whole lot of pain to master. Now, shut your yaps and listen up." He slammed the book open, the sound echoing in the silent hall. Andre leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. The first lesson in Warcasting was about to begin.
Drill Master Varro slammed the heavy tome shut, the sound echoing through the mess hall like a thunderclap. The recruits, still buzzing from the revelation of Warcasting, fell silent, their attention snagged by the sudden noise.
"Warcasting 202," Varro announced, his voice dripping with a theatrical flourish. "Today, we delve into the rudimentary art of channeling Mana. Forget your fancy swordplay; true power lies in mastering the flow of this ancient force within you."
He swept his gaze over the assembled recruits, his eyes lingering on each one for a beat. "This first exercise is called Spark and Bolt," he continued, tapping the open book with a gnarled finger. "A simple yet effective technique for channeling your mana – a fancy word for your magical reserves – into a focused blast of lightning energy."
A collective murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. Magic? This wasn't something they'd been briefed on. Andre, however, felt a shiver crawl up his spine. Magic. Arcana Academia… the memories flooded back, a torrent of terror and loss. He clenched his jaw, forcing them down.
Varro chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. "Don't worry, maggots," he sneered. "It's not like you need to be scholars to master this. Though, those of you who wasted your time at that… what was it called? Arcana Academia? Might have a head start."
The name of the school sent another jolt through Andre. He fought the urge to flinch, his fingers digging into his palms. "Arcana Academia," Varro continued, a hint of disdain lacing his voice, "a prestigious institution, some might say. Pity it fell into such disarray under that… after that d*ck called Elian Aetheris."
Andre felt his fists clench so tightly his nails dug into his flesh. Elian Aetheris. The name, once a beacon of hope, now fueled a cold rage burning deep within him. Varro, of course, wouldn't understand. He wouldn't understand the loss, the betrayal. He wouldn't understand the simmering vengeance that now burned in Andre's gut.
"But enough history lessons," Varro barked, shattering the tense silence. "Focus, maggots! Now, for Spark and Bolt, imagine your mana as a wellspring of raw power within you. Reach out with your mind, feel it thrumming, and then… channel it outwards, focusing it into a single point at your fingertips."
He raised a hand, his palm outstretched. With a sharp crackle, a bolt of pure white lightning erupted from his fingertips, arcing across the room and leaving a scorch mark on the far wall. The recruits gasped, a mixture of awe and fear etched on their faces.
"See?" Varro said, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Simple, right? Now, you maggots give it a try."
He gestured towards a cleared space at the front of the room. One by one, the recruits were called forward, their attempts at channeling mana a comical display of sputtered sparks and nervous fumbles. Andre, however, stood impassive, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He closed his eyes, the memories of Arcana Academia, the lessons of channeling, flooding his mind. He pushed aside the anger, the hatred, focusing instead on the raw energy that pulsed within him.
When his turn came, he stepped forward, his movements controlled and deliberate. He raised his hand, mimicking Varro's gesture, and with a deep breath, channeled his mana. A white-hot spark erupted from his fingertips, growing larger, more intense, until it transformed into a crackling bolt of lightning that mirrored Varro's own.
A stunned silence descended upon the room. Andre lowered his hand, his breathing ragged, a cold sweat clinging to his skin. He had done it. He had channeled mana, mastered Spark and Bolt, with a single, focused burst of will.
Drill Master Varro stared at him, his expression a mask of disbelief. Then, a flicker of something… respect? … crossed his features. Varro cleared his throat, the sound loud in the sudden quiet. "Impressive, Conscript," he rasped. "For someone who never attended that… fancy school."
Andre met his gaze, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. This was just the beginning. He would master this Warcasting, surpass everyone's expectations, and one day… he would make Varro pay. The game had just begun, and Andre was determined to play it, and win.