Training Regime

Vastarael and Elyonari share three lessons; Magic and Mysticism, Energy Synthesis and History.

Vastarael on the other hand, does Geography, Political Studies, Languages and Weapon Mastery.

The Geography class focuses on the intricacies of Spheraphase and its many realms, continents and territories. The vastness of the world was overwhelming for most students, but Vastarael found it exhilarating.

Vastarael excelled in this class, thanks to his innate understanding of the interconnectedness of the world. His upbringing in the Richinaria Dynasty gave him an edge, but even he was astonished by some revelations, such as dimensions.

Apparently, Spheraphase has three dimensions:

Naranq, the heaven of Spheraphase, Wisteria, hell and origin of demons, and of course, Mopheria, the dimension of the gods and Nexuses.

Before they could learn more, it was time for the next class.

If Geography taught Vastarael about the land, Political Studies introduced him to its rulers and their ambitions. The lesson focused on diplomacy, political history and ethics and manipulation.

He had teachers back in the Dynasty who taught him about politics so this wasn't new. He learned a few things from the lecturer that he never thought before and he was glad he chose the class.

It would be handy in the future and he knew it.

Language was a bridge to culture and a critical component of diplomacy. In this lesson, Vastarael was immersed in the intricacies of ancient and modern tongues.

Vastarael enjoyed this class more than he expected, finding that mastering these languages made him feel connected to the broader world. His ability to memorize and replicate runes often drew admiration, especially when he translated an ancient prophecy Xinoraci scroll that had stumped the class.

He also learned that Xinoraci is an extinct language in Spheraphase. Most runes in the world come from this language and through the lesson, he ended up finding new words and phrases that he could perfect his Circlecraft and Rune Drawing on.

Weapon Mastery was the highlight of the week for many students at the academy, not just for the sheer adrenaline of combat but for the spectacle of skill, power, and grace it brought.

The vast training arena, located in a coliseum-like structure with open skies above, thrummed with the energy of dozens of students sparring, practicing forms and honing their techniques under the watchful gaze of Master Hygror, a retired Skyrover general.

For the younger or less experienced students, the Seventh Enlightenment group was the undeniable center of attention. Their prowess was something to aspire to, their moves scrutinized and admired. The Seventh Enlightenment students stood out not just because of their rank but because their every movement seemed to hum with an aura of mastery and mystique.

The arena was divided into sections based on weapon types, with sparring pits for duels and group combat drills. The students were often paired based on skill level, but sometimes, they were mixed intentionally to inspire growth or provoke rivalries.

At the farthest end, a collection of enchanted dummies capable of mimicking opponents' movements served as targets for individual practice. Vastarael often started here, his sapphire glaive gleaming under the sunlight as he effortlessly cut through the air, drawing patterns of power with each strike.

While the rest of the class worked on basic drills or sparring among themselves, it was impossible not to notice the Seventh Enlightenment students.

Elyonari, Natalis and Denisia Andelaris and Peroncerea Ceres did not attend the Weapon Mastery Class while the rest did. However, the other Seventh Enlightenment girls exuded grace and lethality in equal measure. Farrynelle Skyrover in particular, caught many eyes as she moved with electrifying precision, her chakrams crackling with faint streaks of lightning.

Her wavy electric blue hair shimmered in the sunlight as she practiced her footwork, each movement leaving faint scorch marks on the training grounds.

"She's incredible," one of the younger boys whispered to his friend, eyes wide as Farrynelle spun in a flurry of sparks.

"Yeah, no wonder she's Seventh Enlightenment. Look at the control she has!" Another muttered, barely able to look away.

Similarly, Adelasta Viaca, wielding a pair of dual enchanted daggers, was a force of elegance and danger. Her movements were a dance, each spin and strike leaving a trail of faint orange energy. The boys watched in awe as she disarmed her sparring partner with a graceful flourish.

"How can someone look that beautiful while being that terrifying?" One of the boys mused, clearly smitten but intimidated.

As for Narisva, she was practicing hand to hand combat with moving enchanted figures. She was moving so fast that the others couldn't keep up with her.

The admiration wasn't one-sided though.

The Seventh Enlightenment boys also garnered their fair share of attention. There are actually three out of ten in the Seventh Enlightenment rank and they were admired on both sides.

Xander Fedres, with his sword that shimmered with a faint silver aura, was a towering figure of raw power. His strikes sent shockwaves through the air, forcing the moving targets to be utterly destroyed.

"He's so strong," one of the younger girls whispered to her friend, clutching her training staff. "Do you think he'd teach me how to do that?"

"Good luck with that," the friend replied, giggling. "He looks like he only talks to Seventh Enlightenment girls."

Eldrigan Hanabas was actually a battle axe user. However, the axes were small and light that he looked like he was using two daggers. He had a dreamy looks that charmed most of the girls.

And then there was Vastarael. Though he didn't rely solely on brute strength like Xander, his movements were mesmerizing. His sapphire double bladed glaive slashed a lot of moving dummies.

The way he materialized his weapon from thin air added an extra layer of mystique, drawing stares and whispers from across the arena.

"That's the Prince of Anqerise," someone murmured, their tone filled with awe. "He's so calm. It's like he's not even trying."

"Did you see him at the Magic and Mysticism lecture? He's just as good there too," another added.

Even the Seventh Enlightenment girls noticed Vastarael, though they were more subtle about it. Farrynelle, still nursing her pride after her earlier encounter with him, stole occasional glances as he dispatched an enchanted dummy with a single strike, his blade cutting cleanly through the magically reinforced target.

And so...

"I would like to spar with you, Prince of Anqerise."

Vastarael turned his eyes toward Farrynelle, his faceless mask obscuring any reaction. He studied her silently for a moment, noting her confident stance and the subtle challenge in her tone. The crowd, sensing the tension, began to murmur. Even Adelasta, who had been sparring with a moving dummy, paused mid-combat and glanced over, curious about Farrynelle's intentions.

"Why?"

Farrynelle didn't falter.

"You've clearly mastered your weapon but you rely on precision and overwhelming power. I want to see how you fare against someone with speed and adaptability."

Her words were direct but there was a flicker of pride in her tone, hinting at her own prowess.

"You think you can keep up with me?" Vastarael asked, tilting his head slightly. The corners of his lips curved into a faint smile.

"You cannot keep up with me, Prince. You know that."

He did know that.

Dynasty Skyrover and Dynasty Richinaria are... rivals. Actually, the Dynasty Monarchesses are. Lysameria is known as the Blade Nexus while Farrynelle's mother is known as the Sword Nexus.

They are the best swordsmasters in the world and they usually compete to see who is the better Grandmaster, which is the highest level of weapon mastery.

Lysameria is known for her power and calmness while the Skyrover Monarchess is known for her speed.

In fact, Dynasty Skyrover members are the fastest in terms of speed, mostly because the lightning lineage they share. While Richinaria have a vast energy supply and almost indestructible souls, the Skyrovers have incredible speed and lightning manipulation.

And apparently, the two of them are the exact replica of their mothers.

By now, the crowd had gathered closer, their anticipation thick in the air. Students from various Enlightenment levels whispered among themselves, some predicting Farrynelle's victory due to her speed, while others argued that Vastarael's overwhelming power would be too much for her to counter.

Adelasta stepped forward from her spot, her crimson gaze fixed on the scene. As a Viaca, it was her duty to know about this. After all, despite being students, they do belong in different Dynasties.

"Is this an actual challenge, or are you just trying to show off, Farrynelle? I'm curious what you're playing at."

Farrynelle didn't look at Adelasta, keeping her eyes locked on Vastarael.

"This isn't about showing off. It's about improvement. If I want to grow stronger, I need to face opponents who can truly challenge me. Not to worry, future Anqerise Duchess. This isn't political."

"Very well."

Adelasta left and continued practicing.

Vastarael raised an eyebrow behind his mask, intrigued by Farrynelle's reasoning.

"Fair enough," he said, spinning his glaive in a controlled arc before pointing it downward. "But be careful what you wish for, Skyrover. You might not like the outcome. Speed isn't everything you know."

The crowd stirred as Farrynelle shifted into a combat stance, her two chakrams crackling with energy.

"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't ready."

Vastarael nodded, stepping into position. The gathered students held their breath, sensing that this sparring match would be anything but ordinary.