Knight (18 page)

Chapter Seventeen ♣ Spoiled Lunch

P
C class was advised by a rather intimidating teacher that knew no smile. She certainly knew how to scare her students, resulting to an incurable silence inside the whole room. She demanded the full attention of everyone and did not tolerate a distracted eye from leaving her face.

Valeriana learned that every Valemnian possessed a Power Control. This determined their ability to manipulate specific things in category around them. For Elementals, they possess the ability to manipulate objects that belonged to nature. An Elemental Power was performed or acted out when the user partially exploits his aura to mix with the power pressure of Valemnia and control a compatible element—it was termed as Indirect Control mostly. It was divided into different types depending on the nature of the ability of a certain individual. There was fire, water, wind and earth. Ice, lightning, electricity and all others were secondary elements.

For Direct Control, there was the utilization of one’s aura to manipulate another person's aura by skin or eye contact. These users were much rarer than Indirect, as a child’s chances of becoming one ranges less than one percent.

In Valemnia, the aura was something that was connected to one's inner self—the emotions and way of thinking, for example. Direct Control, divided into different sections, just like Elemental Control, had two main classifications—the Altruistics and the Manipulatives.

Their abilities were just as their names suggest. To make a long story short,
altruistics
can tap,
manipulatives
do the controlling. Like two sides of the same coin, the other does what the other cannot. In a sense, the relationship was much like the relationship of the colors black and white.

For example, the nature of the ability Empathy depended on the nature of the Direct Control. Under
altruistics,
their empathy dealt with the perception and the sensitivity to what a certain person was thinking and feeling. For
manipulatives,
their version of empathy was different. They dealt mostly with influencing those thoughts and emotions.

One cannot be both at the same time.
Valeriana thought the concept was interesting.

When lunch break rolled in, things got even worse for Valeriana. The amount of attention she was getting began to feel unendurable. She knew it would take a while before the students in the academy get used to having her around. But right now, she seemed to be the center of attention.

Chavi allowed her to get settled in the dinner hall while she went to get their food from the buffet table. The dinner hall was a beautiful place. The chairs were cushioned and the tables were ornate, carved out of wood with great care. The surfaces were splashed with creamy yellow cloths and the crimson fabric the table runner was made from had golden tassels dangling from their triangular ends.

Valeriana swallowed excitedly as a big platter was placed in front of her. Her stomach made hungry noises and she lifted her gaze to meet Chavi's eyes with appreciation, flustered.

She dug in mindlessly and swallowed food to the point where her cheeks bulged. Chavi watched her with a smile and ate her meal as well.

“Are you enjoying?” A voice commented.

Valeriana's eyes went from her food to the direction of the voice and she saw Courtney. She choked on her meal because of this and motioned for water. Chavi, panicking, handed her the cup sitting on her tray. Valeriana immediately downed the whole cup.

The girl stood up from her seat, wiping her wet chin using the sleeve of her uniform. Her actions only made Courtney frown at her more.

“Don’t go disgracing the name of the fifth-ranker.”

“I . . .”

“I'll be gone for a while, but that won't be long. If I were you, I'll enjoy my seat in the circle. Because after that, I'll be taking it back.”

Valeriana sighed. “You're free to take it whenever you want.”

“I'll be expecting nothing less than a worthy fight. I warn you. Do not take me lightly.” With that, she turned her back against Valeriana and walked away.

“Courtney.” She called after her.

Her former opponent turned.

“I'm sorry.” She began. “I just want you to know that I'll try my best until you come and take your position back. Until then, I'll be waiting.”

“Do what you want.” She waved her off and walked away.

-*-

After the little encounter in the cafeteria, Valeriana ate all of her food in a rush. Chavi stated that if it was her, she would lose her appetite, but it was completely different for Valeriana. If there was one thing she couldn't resist, it was perfectly good food.

They set off to their next class after that.

“My fourth class is Weapon's Art.” She whispered, looking at the notes scribbled down on the piece of paper handed to her by Corvan.

“That's good.” Chavi giggled, leaning over to check the contents of the notes. She then snatched it from her hands. “Ooh, a Gathering after classes. Well, it's not like it's very uncommon. Since you're a member of the Celestial Circle, it's not really new.”

“What's a Gathering?”

“A Gathering is the time where all the members of the Celestial Circle congregate to discuss matters within their group.” She said. “I heard they do it a lot.”

“I see, like a meeting.”

“Wait, do you have the uniform with you? The one for our practicum?”

They paused.

“Um . . .” she rubbed her chin. “I-I haven't washed it yet.” She laughed.

“Seriously,” Chavi sighed. “I guess I can lend you mine . . . but I don't think it will fit you. You’re a bit bigger than me.” She motioned to their difference in height.

“Valeriana.”

Valeriana looked up while a loud gasp came from her new friend.

All eyes turned to her direction, and Chavi, who was previously trailing after Valeriana, visibly backed off as she saw who had appeared. Corvan emanated a strong presence that one could not possibly ignore, and with his position, he was obviously well-known within the entire school.

She took a step back, shocked by his sudden appearance. “Oh, hey.” She said. “I was just going.”

His eyes were hard and cold, but for some reason, it didn't intimidate her one bit. “Idiot.”

She crossed her arms. “You came just to tell me that?”

She couldn't miss how everyone stared at both of them as if they were a shocking gossip posted on the tabloid.

“I was looking for you.” He said.

“Really?”

He held out a bundle of clothes. “You're scheduled to take your Weapon's Art during the fourth period, am I correct?”

She nodded. “Yeah,” she gingerly took the clothes inside her arms.

“Lady Seraphina asked me to give them to you. Rather than using the ones you had worn a while ago.”

“Oh, thank you very much!” She beamed at him. “I was worrying about it just now.”

“Don't forget to attend the Gathering. An hour after classes, do you hear?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“I'll send someone for you.” He turned sharply, heading out. “Now then, I've already wasted a lot of my time. I'll be late for my next class, so I'll be taking my leave.”

“Thank you very much.” She muttered, watching the people around him make way as he passed by. “But saying you wasted a lot of time is . . .” Valeriana shook her head. “But really, thanks for bothering and everything. I'm starting to think you're actually kind.”

Corvan paused, having heard what she said. “Don't get the wrong idea.” He said in a cold tone.

Valeriana rolled her eyes. “I take back what I said. Demon.”

“Witch.” She heard him say.

Valeriana gasped. Before she could even run after him, a pair of hands grabbed her shoulders.

“That guy is scary.” Chavi shivered.

“What?”

“Well, he glares at everyone all the time.” She stated. “If you look at him in the eye, it feels like he'll kill you.”

Valeriana shook her head “I know that.” She said.

“What are you choosing anyway?” Chavi asked instead, changing the topic.

“Uh . . . what is Weapon's Art exactly?” She asked, looking at the ceiling while tapping her chin thoughtfully.

“There are daggers and knives, swords, cleaving weapons, spears, and ranged weapons. You just choose a weapon to specialize in. Okay! Right this way!”

“I'll never get used to this.” Valeriana grumbled before trudging wearily to follow Chavi's lead.

Chapter Eighteen ♣ Weapon's Art

A
fter getting changed, Chavi steadily navigated through the corridor once more and guided Valeriana to the training field. After doing so, the girl happily waved at Valeriana and said she would be back after her class to fetch her.

“How kind of her.” She said before walking into the grassy field. Some students were already hanging around dressed in the proper attire, holding their own swords in hand. “So this is swordsmanship, huh?”

The expanse of the training yard was filled with students currently taking their lessons. It was further subdivided into different sections based on the weapons being taught. The other classes were being displayed in full view since the only thing separating them was distance.

Valeriana looked to the sky. The view of the beautiful, ethereal color of a clear, bright, blue with fluffy and soft-looking white clouds stretching from above ruled her sight. The gentle breeze caressed her cheeks and willfully played with her hair. Even though this wasn't the world she originally came from, she couldn't help but think it was beautiful.

“Enjoying the view?” A man's voice echoed beside her.

Valeriana jumped in shock, her heart leaping to her throat. She craned her neck speedily to see who just appeared. It was a man with dirty blond hair and brown eyes. He looked especially strong. He had slight stubble on his chin and he wore a cheerful smile.

“Oh . . . uh, yeah. I really haven't seen anything like it.” She said, hand on her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart. “This world is certainly beautiful. Well, it's my first time seeing it like this.”

“This world?” The man raised a brow at her. “Don't tell me . . .”

“I'm the rumored human.” Valeriana grinned, speaking for him.

He laughed. “You took the words right out of my mouth! So your name is Valeriana, is that correct? Valeriana Kerrigan?” He tilted his neck to the side as he gazed at the young girl in front of him with his questioning gaze.

“Yup!” She answered enthusiastically.

“I never saw you up close when you fought Courtney, but now that I see you face to face, you're quite the cute kid, aren't you?” His booming laughter echoed throughout the training yard. Valeriana stared at him in confusion as he reached out and patted her on the head.

“Not . . . really.”

The man's laughter came to a stop and he looked down at her with curiosity. “Why not?” He paused. “Oh, wait a moment. Let me look at you.” He reached for her shoulders and pulled her towards him gently, his eyes staring straight into hers as if searching for something.

“Why?”

“When I caught you looking up at the sky just now, I thought you looked a lot like someone I know.” He stated. “I mistook you for her at first, really. It was hilarious.”

“Really?”

The man stared at her for a moment. “It's like she was reincarnated.”

“Oh . . . she's dead?”

“Unfortunately,” he whispered. “But that woman did a lot of good things when she was still alive. Her words were a thousand tons heavy that it could change something completely.”

“Wow.”

“My name is Hajji Tarragon. I'll be your instructor. Unless, of course, you came to the wrong class. But no, I have your name on my class list. So, you’re probably not lost.”

“You're my teacher?”

“I can be no other person.” He chuckled. “Alright, I suggest you get ready. We'll be working on a lot of things today.”

“Like what?”

Before her question could be answered, Sir Hajji turned to his students and clapped his hands twice. Everyone stopped the activity they were currently doing and diverted their attention to their instructor.

“Line up!”

Without second thoughts, everyone dragged their legs and stood on a straight line. Valeriana decided to join in and stood on some random spot.

“Alright, everyone. Since this is just the first month of your stay in Celeste Academy, we'll work on the very basic of your skills!” He padded across the field and reached for a wooden sword sitting in a bin with others. “I know I told you all that yesterday or last week, but I'll be repeating it for our newcomer over here.” He briefly glanced over at Valeriana's direction and everyone's eyes were suddenly pinned at her direction.

Valeriana swallowed.

“Valeriana, do you mind coming over here?”

The human girl nervously walked forward. Sir Hajji flashed her a comforting smile and threw her the wooden sword. Valeriana caught it easily in her hand and flashed the older man a questioning look.

“Forgive me, my dear,” he grinned. “Tradition is tradition and everyone in this class had to fight me on their first day. It helps me determine the level of your ability. But since you recently just dueled and came out with injuries, I'll try to go easy on you.”

He must be talking about the wound on her left arm. It had healed nicely that she already forgot about it. It wasn't her dominant arm, nevertheless, so she was sure it wouldn't bring her any burden.

Valeriana furrowed her brows in worry. “I'm sorry. I don't think I can do it again.”

Hajji raised his brows at her. “Have you already forgotten the first rule about sword-fighting?”

“The first rule?”

“A battle cannot be won by just skill alone. You have to have more confidence in yourself, Valeriana.”

“O-okay.” She nodded.

“Well, then, quit with the babbling!” Hajji took a wooden sword himself and held the hilt firmly in his hands. He pointed the sword at Valeriana and smiled. “Come at me!”

Valeriana took a deep breath and whispered, “One with your sword.”

Remember to be like water.
She reminded herself mentally before running forward and attacking the older man. Hajji didn't even lose that annoying smile on his face before he blocked Valeriana’s assaults almost effortlessly.

Compared to the fight with Courtney, this felt much more enjoyable with no pressure of being killed or cut. They were using light-weight dummy swords that didn't really pose much harm to an inexperienced eye, but Valeriana knew it would be much dangerous when put in the hands of a trained swordsman. After all, after what Seraphina showed her, Valeriana started to see things differently than before.

They exchanged hard blows. The sound of wood hitting wood was completely different from metal clashing against metal, but that did not make the situation any less difficult than the fight she had with Courtney. Hajji was on a completely different level. Nevertheless, he was treating it as if it was child's play.

Sir Hajji's style was different from Lady Seraphina's. Instead of what she was taught, Hajji's moves seemed just . . . playful. They were complex and hard to understand, as if they went to one direction then went to another. He was unpredictable, swift, and free.

Valeriana felt confused. With the current turmoil her mind was in, Hajji immediately took advantage of her condition and struck his sword down onto hers, completely knocking it out of her hand. He sent it flying away that it made Valeriana's jaw drop to the ground.

A round of applause came from the other students.

“You picked up great skills, young lady!” Sir Hajji exclaimed, lowering his dummy sword. “Lady Seraphina's truly a good trainer!” He then walked forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. “But she did not teach you everything yet—so that'll be my job.”

Hajji nudged Valeriana back to where she previously stood before facing all of his students with a gleeful smile. A gush of wind blew and playfully caressed Valeriana's cheeks. The cool breeze toyed with her hair before suddenly disappearing as if to only cool her down from the recent workout.

That was when it occurred to her. “The wind . . .”

Hajji, who seemed to have heard her, flashed her a knowing smile and winked. “That's right. You have moved like water, my dear, just like what Seraphina taught you. It may have worked on Courtney, but it won't work on me.”

“I don't exactly understand this.” She muttered, looking at him in confusion.

“It goes like this, there’s fire. It's rash, and it swallows everything it can, but water puts out the fire. Still, the wind carries the water and sometimes may even put it in a state of turmoil, but even so, a wall of earth can block the wind.”

“So you can fight, not just by being like water?” Valeriana inquired.

“Of course.” Hajji answered. “There are many ways to fight with the sword. Being like water is not the only one. A master swordsman knows how to be like all the elements—wild like fire, graceful like water, free like the wind, and firm like the earth.”

“I see . . .” Valeriana trailed off as she mulled over what he said.

“Alright! Since I'm done with my wonderful speech, it's time to start the lesson!”

“Will you teach us to be like the elements too, sir?” One of the students asked in obvious excitement, making Valeriana smile.

Sir Hajji paused and scanned all of his students. “Sure, I will!” He answered.

Everyone cheered.

“But not now. It’s too early. We haven't even finished with the basics yet. You all must know the foundation of everything before you even become ready to become beginners!”

“Aren't we beginners already?” Someone asked.

“Beginners are different from amateurs!”

The mood of the students suddenly faltered and they all began to whine like children, slouching their backs in disappointment, someone even amusingly muttered about it not being fair.

“You too, Valeriana,” Hajji said. “I noticed your lousy footwork. Your enemy would've easily knocked you out with that sort of stance!”

Valeriana smacked her forehead. “Argh. I'm no good with stances.”

“Anyway, we'll be working on balance today!”

“But, sir!” The same student from a while ago whined. “We've been working on our balance since last week! Can't we even move on?”

“Until you all haven't finished perfecting your balances, we will not move on!”