13-Maurice’s Training

As André and I approach the gates of my middle school, the familiar figure of Professor Maurice comes into view. He's waiting just outside, arms crossed casually, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.The moment he spots me, his expression shifts to a warm smile. But as his eyes drift to André, the smile disappears, replaced by an unmistakable look of disdain."Why, if it isn't the Trash. I didn't know someone like you could have a child," Maurice quips, his voice laced with sarcasm.André's eyes narrow, his stance subtly shifting. "Well, if it isn't the Twat of the Réel family. I didn't know the greatest showman in Verdant Haven decided to become a professor."The air between them grows tense, a palpable rivalry radiating from their pointed words.I glance between them, feeling the need to cut through the thick atmosphere before it escalates further. "Good morning, Professor. Can we start training?"Maurice's attention shifts to me, and his demeanor softens almost instantly. It's impressive how quickly he can change moods."Sure!" he says with a bright smile, waving me forward. "Follow me.""Tch!"The disgruntled noise from André behind me is impossible to miss. He's struggling to keep his composure."Let's go, Dominic," André mutters, his reluctance evident in his tone.I fall into step behind Maurice, André trailing close behind. As we move through the gates, my thoughts drift to the dynamic between these two men. While sharp and biting, their banter carries a familiarity that hints at a deeper history. Their insults feel like the remnants of a once-close relationship, now fractured by whatever "incident" André said earlier.I glance back briefly at André, his jaw tight as he silently follows.For now, my focus shifts to the training ahead. With my father and Professor Maurice involved, it will be a day full of physical, mental, and perhaps even emotional challenges. I'll have to stay sharp if I navigate the training and the complex relationship between these two towering figures.I think this will be interesting. I will brace myself for whatever comes next.We continued walking until we reached a vast grass field near the middle school. Its openness provided the perfect space for what promised to be an intense training session. The gentle breeze rustled the grass, but it did little to calm the rising tension in my chest.André walked off to the edge of the field, choosing a sturdy log as his seat. He sat down with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he settled in to observe. His earlier warning about Maurice refusing to hold back lingered in my mind like a shadow.

New Quest!Quest: Survive Maurice Réel.

Reward: A Magic Artifact and 66 Stat Points.

The sudden notification from the System sent a jolt through me.S-Survive?My heart skipped a beat, the weight of that single word far heavier than I was prepared for. The reward was tempting, but it also underscored the gravity of what I was about to face. André's earlier warnings suddenly felt less like exaggeration and more like a lifeline I should have held on to tighter."Let's start, shall we?" Maurice said, his voice calm and assured yet carrying an underlying edge that sent a chill down my spine.I swallowed hard, steeling myself for what was to come. Whatever Maurice had planned, I couldn't afford to show hesitation. Not in front of André. Not in front of Maurice. And certainly not in the face of the System's ominous challenge."Yes, Professor," I replied, forcing confidence into my voice even as adrenaline coursed through my veins.André, still seated on the log, let out a low hum of disapproval but didn't say a word. His watchful gaze stayed locked on us, a silent reminder of the stakes.Maurice smiled faintly, his sharp eyes glinting with something I couldn't quite place—anticipation, perhaps? Or was it amusement?"Good," he said, rolling up his sleeves. "Let's see what you're made of, Dominic."════ ⋆★⋆ ════With a nod, Dominic steadied himself, drawing both Galahad's Judgment pistols. The sleek weapons, charged with Aether, glowed faintly in his hands, a testament to their latent power.Maurice smirked, his confident demeanor practically daring Dominic to make the first move. "Whenever you're ready," he said, his voice laced with condescension.Dominic narrowed his eyes, momentarily wondering if Maurice underestimated him because he was Manaless. Shaking off the thought, he focused, raising both guns.-Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!A flurry of red Aether-charged bullets erupted from Galahad's Judgment, each shot propelled with deadly precision. The training and the System's stat boosts had significantly improved Dominic's handling of the weapons, allowing him to fire rapidly without losing accuracy.-Flick!Maurice barely moved. With a casual flick of his fingers, the bullets froze mid-air, suspended by an invisible force.-Flick!Another gesture, and the bullets reversed their trajectory, hurtling back toward Dominic at blistering speeds.!Dominic's eyes widened in shock. He barely had time to react, relying solely on his razor-sharp instincts. Diving to the side, he narrowly avoided the incoming fire, though the bullets whizzed past him with terrifying proximity.Maurice's smirk deepened, his tone tinged with genuine intrigue. "Impressive reaction speed, Dominic. But in a real battle, enemies won't give you time to breathe."-Flick!The ground rumbled beneath Dominic's feet, the tremors intensifying as cracks spidered out in every direction.-Rumble!The earth itself seemed to betray him, breaking apart and levitating into the air under Maurice's control. Large chunks of the field rose, floating ominously as the landscape shifted into a surreal battlefield.'What is his Magic Attribute?!' Dominic thought, struggling to keep his balance as the ground fractured beneath him. Forced to his knees by the violent upheaval, he gritted his teeth and steadied himself.Before he could regain his footing, Maurice flew effortlessly behind him, manipulating the fragmented terrain with unnerving ease.-Flick!A bolt of blue energy surged toward Dominic. Acting purely on instinct, he threw himself to the side.-Boom!The energy bolt collided with one of the floating platforms, detonating in a brilliant explosion. The shockwave blasted debris in every direction, and fragments of stone struck Dominic as he was thrown backward."Agh!"Dominic hit the ground hard, rolling across another floating chunk of earth. Pain flared through his body, but he quickly scrambled to his feet, his instincts and resilience kicking in.Maurice's voice rang out, calm but sharp. "Good. You survived. But remember, survival isn't just about dodging—it's about fighting back."Gritting his teeth, Dominic aimed his guns and fired again.-Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!A rapid volley of red bullets streaked toward Maurice, but the professor barely flinched.-Flick!A shimmering blue forcefield appeared before Maurice, absorbing the bullets on impact and rendering them harmless."Dominic," Maurice taunted, his voice carrying an edge of mockery. "If you want to hit me, you'll need to be far more creative than… this."Dominic clenched his jaw, frustration mounting. His status as Manaless limited his options, but he couldn't afford to give up.-Flick!Suddenly, the platform beneath Dominic began to glow a menacing orange. Heat surged around him, and an ominous crackling sound warned him of what was to come. Without hesitation, Dominic leapt toward another floating piece of earth."Woah!"No sooner had he left the platform than it melted into a pool of magma, the heat radiating upward in waves.-OOF!Dominic landed hard on another platform, dirt and sweat mixing as he pulled himself to his feet. His breathing was labored, his body battered, but his resolve remained unbroken.He scanned the battlefield, now fragmented and hostile, and realized the gravity of Maurice's earlier words.'If it weren't for my instincts, I'd already be dead,' Dominic thought grimly.With Maurice flying above and commanding the terrain with ease, both close and ranged combat seemed futile. Dominic needed a new strategy, and fast.Think, Dominic. Outwit him. This isn't just about firepower—it's about survival.Forcing his exhaustion aside, Dominic gripped his guns tighter, readying himself for the next move. Maurice's smirk hadn't faded, but Dominic wasn't about to back down.This isn't just training. This is a fight to prove I can endure.-Flick!Maurice flicks his fingers again and Dominic's heart pounds in his chest as twenty shimmering light arrows materialize above him, descending like a deadly rain."Oh, you've got to be kidding me…" Dominic mutters, eyes wide with disbelief.The floating chunks of terrain offer little space to maneuver, forcing Dominic to dodge desperately. He evades most of the arrows with frantic movements, but three find their mark—two piercing his right shoulder and one lodging painfully in his left thigh."Agh!"The searing pain drops him to his knees, his grip faltering as one of his guns slips from his hand, clattering onto the fragmented ground.From his elevated position, Maurice watches closely. A flicker of concern crosses his face.'Have I pushed him too far?' he wonders, his stern facade faltering momentarily. But the thought is quickly dismissed. Maurice knows all too well the relentless nature of real combat. To survive in this world, Dominic must face this level of intensity."Get up, Dominic," Maurice calls out, calm but firm. "The battle doesn't stop just because you're in pain."Dominic grits his teeth, his body trembling as he tries to push himself back up. The sharp ache from his wounds radiates through him, but he refuses to give in.This time, Maurice opts for vocal incantations, giving Dominic a rare opportunity to anticipate his next attack."Knife Crystal Heart Attack."Shimmering, heart-shaped beams resembling crystalline knives manifest in the air and hurtle toward Dominic with deadly precision.Dominic rolls to the side, ignoring the stabbing pain in his thigh as he snatches up his fallen gun. Rising slowly, he adopts a defensive posture—a blend of readiness and determination.Adrenaline surges through his veins, dulling the agony of his injuries as he readies himself for whatever comes next."Dolphin Slap Wave."From Maurice's outstretched hand, a swarm of ethereal dolphins erupts, leaping toward Dominic in rapid succession.[Centurion's Guard]Dominic reacts instinctively, activating the defensive Gun Arts technique he had absorbed from the manual.With practiced precision, Dominic uses his pistols as both shield and blade, parrying the incoming dolphins with fluid, precise movements. The Aether-charged dolphins dissipate upon contact with his guns, but the relentless assault forces him to stay sharp, weaving between attacks.Amid the onslaught, Dominic finds openings. His eyes narrow as he takes aim and fires.-Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!The Centurion's Guard technique, a hallmark of the Gun Arts, blends defense and offense seamlessly. Dominic's stance minimizes his exposure, allowing him to deflect attacks while simultaneously launching counterstrikes. His movements, though still raw, are efficient and measured, a testament to his rapid adaptation under pressure.Maurice raises a hand, summoning a glowing blue energy forcefield to deflect the bullets. The shots vanish upon impact, leaving Maurice unharmed, but his expression shifts.For the first time, there's genuine acknowledgment in Maurice's eyes."Impressive," Maurice remarks, his voice tinged with approval. "You've adapted well, Dominic. But survival isn't just about skill—it's about ingenuity."Dominic's chest heaves as he steadies himself, his injuries screaming for attention. Despite the pain, his grip on the guns tightens, his resolve unshaken."Let's see how far you can push yourself," Maurice challenges, his forcefield dissipating as he prepares his next move.Dominic, battered but determined, squares his shoulders. He knows Maurice isn't holding back. And if he's going to survive, neither can he.════ ⋆★⋆ ════André watches the scene unfold before him with wide eyes, astonishment etched across his face."Where did he learn that?" Andre mutters.André has never formally trained Dominic before this day. The maneuvers Dominic executes, especially the adept use of the 'Centurion's Guard' technique, are something not a beginner would know, let alone a Manaless individual like Dominic."I'm going to ask him later."Throughout Dominic's life, André and Celine have consistently provided care and support. While André's profession as a Stargate Raider often keeps him away from home, he has always watched Dominic's growth and development.However, Dominic's sudden display of martial prowess is unexpected. Until his fifteenth year, Dominic has shown no particular interest in martial arts or combat training, preferring to immerse himself in his studies to become a Magitist.The revelation of Dominic's newfound skills leaves André in wonder and speculation.How has Dominic acquired such knowledge and proficiency? Is there a hidden chapter in Dominic's life that André is unaware of?These questions swirl as he watches Dominic stand his ground against Maurice's relentless assaults.The sight of Dominic poised and ready to face whatever comes next fills André with a mix of pride and curiosity. Clearly, Dominic is much more than meets the eye, and André is determined to uncover the secrets behind his sudden transformation.════ ⋆★⋆ ════"Hah…Hah…"Dominic struggles to believe it. He has utilized one of the techniques from the Gun Arts. But as the adrenaline fades, the pain, previously held at bay, surges back with a vengeance."Agh!"The agony is overwhelming as he crumbles to his knees, clutching his injured shoulder. Despite the pain, he forces himself back onto shaky legs. Glancing up, he sees Maurice hovering above him, an expression of indifference on his face as if mocking him, challenging him to keep going.-Flick!-Crumble!With another flick of Maurice's fingers, the earth beneath Dominic shifts, further unsettling him. He finds himself kneeling again, unprepared for the sudden descent. As the pieces of floating earth return to their original positions, the landscape returns to its natural state.The once-boiling magma cools and solidifies, leaving no trace of the chaos that had just transpired. Surveying the surroundings, everything appears as if nothing has happened. It is as though Maurice has reset the entire field with a mere gesture."Dominic, what's my Magic Attribute with everything I did?"Maurice watches Dominic intently, curious about his answer. This question isn't just to test his observational skills; it's a crucial lesson in battle awareness, particularly in identifying an opponent's magic attribute, which can significantly influence the outcome of a confrontation.As Dominic struggles to catch his breath, Maurice reflects on the day's events and his growing interest in him. Despite Dominic's unremarkable appearance, today's training session shatters assumptions. Dominic's reflexes and instinctual dodge and counterattack exceed Maurice's expectations, revealing that André has imparted more than just the basics to his son.Watching Dominic face his bully is a turning point for Maurice. Just as Maurice is about to step in, Dominic takes control of the situation surprisingly effectively. His defiant expression reminds Maurice of André in their younger days—unyielding and unafraid of challenges. Dominic's decisiveness and courage spark Maurice's curiosity, leading him to delve into Dominic's background. Discovering he is André's son comes as a shock.

That trash and Maurice have a complicated history. Their falling out was significant, and it doesn't surprise Maurice that André hasn't mentioned Dominic. Despite their differences, Maurice can't deny the intrigue André's lineage adds to the mix. Given André's prowess, Maurice expects Dominic to have some training.

As Dominic stands there, panting and determined, Maurice sees potential. Dominic's ability to adapt and respond to magical assaults is impressive, particularly for someone labeled as Manaless."Hah…hah…"Maurice's challenge has a clear purpose: to sharpen Dominic's analytical skills in recognizing and understanding the magic attributes of opponents he might face.Considering Maurice's wide range of abilities displayed during their training, Dominic takes a moment to reflect on each of them. The manipulation of the earth and its transformation into lava, the summoning of dolphins, light arrows, and heart-shaped daggers indicate a level of control over the environment and matter beyond simple elemental Magic."It's Spatial." Dominic concludes.Spatial Magic is a sophisticated and rare attribute that allows its users to manipulate space and the physical properties of their surroundings. This can include bending, twisting, and even creating pockets of space to achieve various effects—teleportation, dimensional storage, altering distances between objects, or even warping the fabric of reality to some extent.The primary weakness of Spatial Magic lies in the user's concentration and mental stamina. Manipulating the fabric of space requires immense focus and precise control, meaning any disruption in the user's concentration could potentially backfire or diminish the effectiveness of their spells. However, considering Maurice's evident mastery over his abilities, exploiting this vulnerability seems next to impossible with Dominic's current capabilities."Correct." Maurice nods his approval at Dominic. He then descends to the ground, his feet touching down with a grace that belies his wielding power.In a reflexive response, Dominic points his gun at Maurice and fires.-Bang!The sharp crack of the gunshot pierces the air, but the outcome is inevitable. Maurice barely moves; with a casual wave of his hand, the bullet freezes mid-flight. Its momentum dissipates, and it drops to the ground with a dull thud.'Darn it.'Frustration wells up inside Dominic as he clenches his jaw. The gap between them feels insurmountable—a chasm that no amount of willpower or skill seems able to bridge. Yet, mingled with his frustration is an undeniable sense of awe.Maurice's mastery of magic is nothing short of extraordinary. Every encounter with him is a stark reminder of how far Dominic still has to go and how much he has grown under this unrelenting mentorship."That's enough for today," Maurice announces, his tone carrying a rare note of finality.

Quest Completed!You have successfully survived Maurice!

You obtained 66 Stat Points!

Do you want to receive the Magic Artifact?

[Yes/No]

As the notification from the System flashes before Dominic's eyes, a wave of relief washes over him. He has managed to survive Maurice's rigorous training session."Thank god," Dominic mutters, feeling a profound sense of accomplishment.However, he decides to postpone accepting the Magic Artifact until later. The last thing he needs is Maurice and André to witness the sudden manifestation of an artifact and bombard him with questions he can't comfortably answer."Ugh…"Just as Dominic is contemplating his next steps, exhaustion overwhelms him. His knees buckle, and he collapses to the ground, unable to support his weight any longer. The intensity of the training, coupled with the adrenaline that fueled him, finally takes its toll.