Combat Hall (1)

After discussing some details about their action plan, they decided that they would work on their assignment for the [Stellar Socialization] course on Sunday. Tomorrow, they still had to visit the combat hall after all. Freya was clearly the most excited about it.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what the combat hall has to offer," said Freya enthusiastically. "I hope it will give me the same thrills I've already experienced on the battlefield. I'm a proud Scandinavian, and my people revere war above all else."

Miki nodded, sharing Freya's enthusiasm. "This could be an excellent opportunity for us to improve our combat skills. With everything we've learned so far, it would be interesting to see how we fare in real situations."

Phaistos, still glowing from his recent breakthrough, added, "And it will also allow us to test our new abilities. I'm curious to see how my mastery of the light element translates into combat."

Kibi, although more focused on forging, recognized the importance of developing combat skills. "That's true. Even though I decided to learn forging, it's just a secondary profession for me. My real goal is to become a powerful warrior capable of razing the world with a lightning bolt."

The only one who didn't seem particularly affected by the situation was Zara. Phaistos asked her why.

Zara shrugged with a calm smile. "It's not that I'm not interested in combat. However, I'm not really interested in close combat. I think I'll specialize in long-range combat using spells and companions like Al-Maari. I think I'll just learn enough to avoid getting killed outright by our enemies."

Phaistos nodded as he listened to Zara's explanation. "That's a smart approach, Zara. We'll need all kinds of skills to face different challenges. Long-range combat can be just as crucial as close combat, especially if we can rely on powerful spells and companions like Al-Maari."

Freya, still enthusiastic, added, "I agree. The more diversity we have in our skills, the better prepared we'll be for any situation. We need to support each other and combine our strengths to maximize our potential."

Miki smiled and patted Zara's shoulder amicably. "Don't worry, Zara. Whether it's close or far, we'll always be there to protect each other."

With this mutual understanding, the group parted for the evening. Each of them spent time mentally and physically preparing for their visit to the combat hall the next day.

[Phaistos Astraeus]

[Rank 1: Initiate]

[Magic Power: 24]

[Combat Power: 16]

[Light middle stage - 5%]

[Water middle stage - 10%]

[Spiritual Origin: B-]

[Magical Control: E+]

[Lineage: ???]

[Talent: Time Attribute]

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As the sun rose, Phaistos woke up. He had spent the entire night stabilizing his magical core after his breakthrough. Fortunately, in the early stages of learning, the body and the magical core adapted quickly to different qualitative changes. Phaistos felt much better than yesterday; he was beginning to feel the impact of the increase in his magical and physical power since his arrival at the academy. "I think I should be at the standard of a good warrior, and I should be approaching the level of an elite. I hope that what I learn today will help me progress in the art of combat, because once I improve this deficiency, I should be able to fight effortlessly with an elite soldier," he thought.

Previously, he wanted to take the time that night to cultivate [Basic Combat Strategies], but last time taught him to be cautious. He did not want to engage in this learning with a spiritual core that was not adapted to his new strength. Nevertheless, he promised himself to catch up in the afternoon.

Phaistos got up and joined his friends for breakfast. Freya, Miki, Kibi, and Zara were already at the table, discussing enthusiastically their visit to the combat hall planned for today.

"Did you sleep well, Phaistos?" asked Freya with a smile. "You look in great shape this morning."

"Yes, I spent the night stabilizing my magical core after my breakthrough. I feel much better now," Phaistos replied, sitting next to his friends. "I'm excited to see what the combat hall has in store for us."

After breakfast, the group headed to the combat hall. The rule for the combat hall was the same as for the other halls. As long as one was not an official student, they had to take a space shuttle. As our protagonists boarded the space shuttle, they began to head towards the star of this solar system. As they got closer, they started to circle around it. In the end, they could no longer see Nemesisia from their position, but they didn't have time to worry about it because they now had an immense yellow planet in front of them.

The planet already seemed gigantic, but they were still far from their destination. As they got closer, they discovered a planet of completely disproportionate size. It was at least fifty to sixty times larger than Nemesisia. As the space shuttle began its descent, they observed magnificent landscapes.

The shuttle approached slowly, offering them a spectacular view of the vast plains and golden mountains that dotted the planet's surface. A sense of excitement and mystery filled the group as they wondered what awaited them in this new place.

The shuttle landed on a brilliant platform, and the group disembarked, dazzled by the brightness and grandeur of the location. The instructor was waiting for them, ready to guide them through this new chapter of their training.

The instructor who greeted them was an imposing man with a piercing gaze and a robust build. His gray hair and neatly trimmed beard testified to his experience and wisdom. He wore light armor made of shimmering metal, adorned with mysterious symbols, and his movements exuded quiet confidence.

"Welcome to Helios," said the instructor with a smile. "This planet is dedicated to the intensive training of the academy's warriors. You will find unique conditions here to perfect your combat skills."

Without giving the apprentices time to ask questions, the instructor turned and began to descend from the platform. He decided not to head towards the building but instead moved towards the plain on the side. While the students thought they would stop in the middle of the plain to explain the trial, he continued to advance.

Phaistos shouted to his comrades, "Quick! We have to follow him! Maybe it's an endurance test." With these words, our protagonists decided to follow the instructor, giving him the benefit of the doubt that the opposite might harm them. Other apprentices, hearing Phaistos's words, found them sensible and followed the instructor. Gradually, they all followed him.

"Good... Very good indeed. Often, students wait until they can no longer see me before making a decision. This one knows how to act accordingly; maybe he can become a leader of men," the instructor said to himself, describing a scene he seemed to have seen even from behind.

As the group continued to follow the instructor through the vast golden plain, the heat of the sun on Helios became more and more intense. Each step brought them closer to a set of imposing rock formations that loomed on the horizon.

After about an hour of walking, the instructor finally stopped in front of a massive rock wall. He turned to the students, his gaze serious but kind.

"You have all shown determination by following me this far," he said. "Now, the real training begins."

He gestured towards the rock wall, which seemed almost insurmountable. "Your first challenge will be to climb this wall. Use all your skills and ingenuity to reach the top. This will be a test of your strength, agility, and endurance."

Freya, visibly excited by this challenge, stepped forward first. "Let's go! I'm ready. This should be easy by combining magical power and physical power."

"Wait! I'm not finished," the instructor shouted. These words stopped Freya from making any move. She felt like if she dared take a single step, she would die without even understanding how. "You must wear this ring on one of your fingers. I won't explain its effects because you'll discover them soon enough," he continued, throwing a box to each of them.

Inside, they could see a beautiful silver ring set with a turquoise gemstone. The ring was very simple, but it exuded a mysterious and solemn air. As Phaistos slipped the ring onto his finger, he immediately felt its effects.

[Malus detected... Analyzing...]

[It has been detected that you are currently under the effect of the malus [Magical Annihilation], you will not be able to use your magical power until this malus is removed.]

"Damn," thought Freya. "This is going to be much harder now."

"I want to make it clear that you will be under constant surveillance. Those who cheat during this trial will no longer be allowed to set foot in the combat hall for eternity. Now, begin. You have as much time as you need."

At these words, the different apprentices dispersed along the wall, making sure not to hinder each other as they climbed.