-"So far so good Ted. Are you ready to heat things up?" Confidence were dripping from Desmond's voice as he continued to push the winds back at Ted.
-"Sure! What do you have in mind?" Ted answered curiously. Desmond simply gave a smile as a response, he needed all the focus he could muster. Through his right hand he channeled a gentle flow of mana to heat up the air he kept in place with short bursts of magic through his left hand. Force built up in his hands as the two elements began to merge into a concentrated inferno between his palms. Desmond didn't notice that the class was staring at him intensely through his concentration. "Eh, Desmond? Are you sure about this?" Ted said worried as he took a few steps back covering his face with his arm. A brief moment before the disaster Desmond felt how he had made a serious mistake and could only swallow tightly as the inevitable accident occurred. The force had been building up to a scale beyond Desmond's skills and eventually control was lost, resulting in the spell blowing up in Desmond's face. Shocked and wounded Desmond was sent flying across the roof until he was knocked unconscious by the landing's impact.

---

He did not know if it was from exhaustion, from built up anger or if he was just fed up with today's receivings but something made Auron snap badly.
-"I'm pretty sure you can't do this. You are a teacher you are supposed to teach and not judge! I am not my father! It is hard enough going to this school because everyone is judging me for my father's actions. Actions he took, not I! Just a reminder to you sir. I did not think that even the teachers would judge a little boy for what his father have done." Many feelings were stirring inside Auron leaving him on the verge of crying for a short moment before he calmed down and looked up with deep sigh and something close to a forlorn expression. The boy could not see beyond the mask, but he could feel how the teacher gritted his teeth in frustration. The room became deathly quiet for longer than Auron felt comfortable with. Nervously Auron felt the air beginning to itch against his skin, how it began smelling rancid and thin. He began feeling nauseous and weak but Auron would not budge, he kept staring at the masked man. The man flew up on his feet making Aurons heart jump twice, never before had he felt so worried for his well being.

-"Fine." The teacher said contempt as he released the spell. Auron breathed heavily as the air around him turned back to normal again. "But know this Zecane: I'll be the one putting you down once you break bad."
-"Duly noted." Auron responded weakly with a discreet smirk.
-"Come back here tomorrow morning and I'll introduce you to the arts. Do not dare to arrive late Zecane." Victoriously Auron walked out the classroom not bothering to say bye to his new unwilling teacher.

---

Reading wasn't a common skill among the Nords. However Julius was no ordinary Nord, he had been chosen by the elder in his tribe to venture to the famous Lauzurus' school. Loa, as the elder is called, were known to be a bit crazy. Even so Julius and the rest of his tribe respected her greatly for her guidance and commune with mother nature. The Nord boy had very fond memories of her from the few years he had spent with her before he was sent to Lauzurus.
Is that you Julius? Join me by the flames, I have something important to tell you. I've had a vision, the chilling winds have spoken. You Julius are a blessed child just like I was once. There is a place you must go to far beyond hills, the woods and mountains. There lies a place were magic whirls like fish in a thawed lake. Go there and learn the art of our ancestors. When you are stronger than your father return here and save us. From what you ask? You'll see young, you'll see...

The sight of the huge library pulled Julius from his thoughts. Through double doors is the spectacular collection of tomes, scroll, books and other bindings of infinite knowledge. Many Nords would regard this place as a waste of potential but Julius knew better than that. row after row huge bookshelves were lined filled with readables. The library even had a second floor with just even more shelves just as full. This is a sanctuary of knowledge! This place must be worth an immeasurable treasure. In awe Julius entered the library just to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

-"Can I help you with something?" A girls voice snapped Julius out of his trance.
-"Uh umm, yes! I'm looking for some books about Basic magic." He answered the older girl. She was quite tall with long black hair much similar to Auron's but with more volume. She was wearing a black vest over a gray long dress adorned with incomprehensible text that seemed to shift as you glanced at it.
-"By your looks I can safely guess you're new here right? Welcome to Lauzurus!" She said with a happy voice. "The library is thoroughly sorted in categories after elements, spectrum and other topics like history and geography. It's quite easy to find what you're looking for unless it's very specific. You're free to borrow anything you like as long as you check out with me by the counter over there. However the top floor is off-limits for you, only senior students are allowed to use the books up there."
-"Alright, thank you very much. I didn't catch your name though?"
-"It's Lydia. Have a nice day Julius!" The girl left Julius to return to the counter where other students needed her assistance. Wait! How did she know my name? Bah, never mind. Let's find some books about Basic magic.

Following the rows Julius found what he was looking for under the Potent spectrum, Basic magic shelf. The Enchanter's handbook to usefulness, could this be it? Picking down the book from the tall shelf Julius quickly flipped through it to confirm that this was indeed a beginner's guide to the Basic element.
-"Julius! There you are!" Ted's shouts broke the calm atmosphere in the library gathering upset looks from others enjoying their moment of respite.
-"Calm down Ted!" Julius hushed the pale and stressed boy quickly. "What got you so riled up?"
-"It's Desmond! He blew up!"
-"What!?" The Nord accidentally bursts out. "Do you mean he literally blew up?"
-"I'll try to explain on the way, hurry!"
-"Alright! I'm going, just let me fix this one thing first." With great speed Julius checked out the book with Lydia and hurried to catch up with Ted who was already running down the corridors. "What really happened to Desmond Ted!?" Julius ask Ted as he catches up with him.
-"I don't know! He tried doing some cool spell during our class but it failed in some way. The spell blew up right in his face I... I could barely recognize him his eyes had liked popped in their sockets and his face was burnt to charcoal or something It was super scary!"
Guess magic isn't all roses and sunshine...

The two boys stormed through the door to the nurse's office.
-"Is he okay!?" Ted asked desperately holding back his tears. The small office had three beds for wounded, two free and one occupied by what one would assume is Desmond. By Desmond's bed stood a white dressed older women with gray hair tucked tightly into a bun to keep it up.
-"He'll be fine, don't you worry." She said with a kind voice. "Nothing serious were damage by the explosion, except for his eyes of course. Luckily Hans had a few spare. Let's hope our brave boy Desmond here is fine with two different eye colours."
-"What a relief. You must be really good at magic." Julius said as he walked up next to bed. Desmond was laying awfully still there, his face completely wrapped in blood soaked bandage.
-"Only the best for Lauzurus. He'll be able to attend lessons again tomorrow afternoon."
-"So soon!? I mean he was pretty messed up when he got here." Ted cut in a little less worried than before.
-"If he does not feel up to it he can tell me tomorrow, I promise to take good care of your friend. Now let's give him some rest."

The two boys left the nurse's office relieved to know their friend is going to be fine. Together they walked back to campus, exhausted from today's endeavors.
-"Are you going to be okay Ted?" Julius asked ceoncerned for the little boy before they split up.
-"I think so. No doubt I'll have nightmares about it though! Thanks Julius, you're a cool guy!"
-"Don't sweat it. I'll see you around." When Ted was out of sight Julius walked up the porch and inside his cabin. Inside were Auron and James who pretended none of them were actually there.
-"Where are the homeless one? I thought he was with you." Auron asked upon noticing Desmond's absence.
-"He got into a magical accident, quite nasty actually. He'll be back on his feet tomorrow so no worries." Julius gave Auron a mean look.
-"I'm glad he's okay. How was your day?" James asks over his shoulder as he is fidgeting with something on the opposite wall.
-"Rather uneventful actually. What are you up to over there?"
-"I'm putting up this almanac. I thought we could use it to keep track of which classes we are going to attend and other important events."
-"That's pretty clever! Got any of those coming up?"
-"Actually we do. In five weeks there will be an examination for all apprentice students. If you pass you'll be promoted to junior student."
-"How come we haven't heard any of this?" Auron looks up skeptically at James.
-"I overheard one of my teacher speaking to Jan about it. Now how about you write up your schedule?" James hands a pen over to Julius.
Hmm...

---

Desmond

(Choose classes for the week)

*Well being decreased.*
*New theory acquired!*


Auron

(Choose classes for the week)

*Charisma increased!*


Julius

(Choose classes for the week)

*B.Magic book added to inventory!*

"Okay, okay, okay... SO... Julius starts going, accepting the pen from James. He looks excited. "At first I thought I would just go nature magic... But that's narrow-minded and I see that now. I have read up on basic magic and I went to class for raw magic, so now I'm beginning to get an understanding of how magic works!" Julius explains as he starts writing on his part of the almanac.

"So the grand plan is to learn the raw and pure elements of magic like Galaxial and Raw magic. I learned about them on basic magic class! Appearantly they're both really hard to use but I'm a nord! I can do anything!" Julius says proudly while he writes. "But I admit I'm not that smart. Smarter than most nords my age I've been told, but not enough for Lauzurus! I need to compete with the other students! Therefore I will learn about Basic Magic and visit the library when I have the time. I borrowed this book from there just today!" Julius shows up his book. "But there's one thing I have that most new students don't: strength. It's my one advantage, and so to keep staying above the others I must keep training. Therefore I'll attend weapon classes and go to P-E class."

Julius takes a step back, triumphantly looking at the almanac with his hands on his hips. His writing might not be pretty, but it's readable.

Monday: 1st class - Galaxial Magic | 2nd class - Weapon Class
Tuesday: 1st class - Raw Magic | 2nd class - Basic Magic
Wednesday: 1st class - Galaxial Magic | 2nd class - Raw Magic
Thursday: 1st class - Basic Magic | 2nd class - Weapon Class
Friday: 1st class - Physical Education | 2nd class - Trance Magic

"Finally, to top it off... Trance magic. Because I learned that it's in the same spectrum as Raw and... Well other than that I know nothing about it. I think it sounds cool though."

Obs: During lunch break Julius would try to visit the library as much as possible when not hanging out with friends. When school ends and it's time to go home, Julius will read his book every night after dinner and after other chores are done. He's a tidy nord, however uncommon that may be. During his two weapon classes he will focus on two types of weapons: one-handed swords and shortbows. Physical education is supposed to be 110% for Julius because he likes going all-out when doing physical activities. Basic magic is to learn about the other magics and is a way for Julius to compare himself to other students. He wants to learn about strengths, weaknesses, mana, and so on.
With Raw magic and Galaxial magic being his main two for the time being, he seeks to grow a stronger affinity and psyche. Seeing as they are hard, he might be exhausted after every class but I believe it will show results in the end. Julius is a hard worker.

Lastly: Jenny Redoak. Hot damn.


Strong: 6/20
Agile: 2/20
Precise: 4/20
Discreet: 0/20
Clever: 2/20
Vigilant: 2/20
Affined: 0/20
Psychic: 0/20
Convincing: 0/20
Fate: 1/20

"Hmm how will I plan this week, lets start with the corruption lesson." Says Zecane to himself as he starts to writing down the schedule for this week on a piece of paper with his ink and Quill.

Monday: 1st class - Corruption Magic | 2nd class - Demonology magic
Tuesday: 1st class - General education | 2nd class Basic Magic
Wednesday: 1st class - Physical education| 2nd class - Dark magic
Thursday: 1st class - General education | 2nd class - Corruption Magic
Friday: 1st class - Dark magic | 2nd class - Demonology magic

On his spare time zecane will either sitting on the library reading or at the cottage.

Strong: 2
agile:1
precise:2
descreet:0
Affined: 8
Psychic: 4
clever: 2
vigilant:3
Convincing: 2
fate: 1

-"What happened?" Desmond said quietly while he tries to pull of the bandages wrapped around his face.
-"Here let me help you with that." said a kind voice. As she removed the bandage from Desmond the nurse told him about the accident that happened.
-"...It seems like your eyes took the most beating, but don't worry Hans had lucky few to spare." The nurse gave him a mirror to see after himself. Desmond sat quietly gazing into the mirror. "No brows, no eyelashes, a brown eye and... that thing?
-"What... is that?" Said Desmond with a shiver in his voice. The nurse calmly put a eyepatch on it and said.
-"Go to Hans Babeck if you have any questions regarding that eye of yours. You should be able to continue with your classes straight away." She said while showing the way out.

Desmond left the nurses office feeling rushed out.
-"I guess I'll have to talk about my eyes with this Hans then." Despite his eyes he can't stop thinking about the wind and fire combination on the roof.
"I almost did it that was amazing! I just lost the control, but next time I'll be prepared. With hard training and some counseling this time, I'll be able to pull this combination off with out blowing up my eyes, again..."

Monday: 1st class - Fire Magic | 2nd class - Organic Magic
Tuesday: 1st class - Organic Magic | 2nd class - Organic Magic
Wednesday: 1st class - Fire Magic | 2nd class - Wind Magic
Thursday: 1st class - Fire Magic | 2nd class - Wind Magic
Friday: 1st class - Fire Magic | 2nd class - Fire Magic

"My eye is killing me. I can't concentrate in class at all It's taking all my concentration. I guess I have to postpone my plan and head to this Hans Babeck after lunch..."

Obs: At lunch Desmond keeps playing with his fire as usual. When school ends Desmond tries to go somewhere where he can be alone so he can take of his eye patch to just sit and smoke when not hanging out with Ted or the others.

New stats:

Strong: 0/20
Agile: 4/20
Precise: 1/20
Discreet: 1/20
Clever: 0/20
Vigilant: 2/20
Affined: 4/20
Psychic: 2/20
Convincing: 2/20
Fate: 1/20

After the boys were finished writing their intended plans James and Julius sat down by the table.
-"So James, about this 'test' you were mentioning..." Julius approached tentatively.
-"I don't really know a whole lot but I can tell you what I saw. I noticed Jan approaching master Goldenfold after class to talk to him. He asked him what the lords have told master Goldenfold and he answered that they weep within a moon. Jan then responded with 'I schedule the examination to be held five weeks, tell the others for me.' And that's it, nothing more was said between them."
-"What does 'the lords weep within a moon' mean exactly?"
-"I got no idea. Master Goldenfold can be very difficult to interpret at times, especially when caught out of context."
-"I guess time will tell."

zZzZz

Tuesday, 07:13

-"How are we feeling today Desmond?" Gertrude's kind voice pierced the silence inside her office.
-"Like shit. I can't stand the darkness, it's more black than I can bear." Desmond, still a bit shocked, sat up in his bed. Realizing his eyes were gone had taken a toll on him.
-"Don't worry Desmond, Hans is going to help you transplant a new pair of eyes today. He should be around any minute." Gertrude had barely finished talking before a click could be heard from the door.
-"Who's our little subject today?" A mans voice was heard as someone came through the door. It was filled with confidence.
-"Hans I have told you several times not to call my patients subjects. It is very degrading!" The nurse's voice completely flipped from kind and loving to harsh.
-"But sweetheart, you know I love doing it! Besides I heard the news from Massan, these injuries are the result of his magic alone. So that would make him a test subject if we are going to do this within the rules." The confidence in Hans' voice had easily been washed away. The nurse sighed as she left the edge for your bed.
-"You know I can't thank you enough Hans. All you've done for me..."
-"Eh... don't mention it sweetheart." Though Desmond couldn't see he was sure he felt the nervous man blush. He took a few moments to gather his voice again. "Now Desmond, is there any specific eye colour you would like?"
-"I don't care, I just want a pair of eyes so I can see again!"
-"That's completely doable. Gertrude will put you to sleep now while I go and fetch a pair of spare eyes back in my class room."
Desmond heard the man walking out as he felt the soft touch of the nurse's hand on his fore head. A few seconds later Desmond fell into a calm slumber.

zZzZz

-"What have you done Hans!? What went through your mind when you let this happen!?" Dozy Desmond woke up to hear Gertrude's upset voice.
-"I- I didn't know I only had one eye left! He said he just wanted a pair of eyes so I got him just that." Forcefully Desmond opened his eyes to find the nurse and an older man with grey lank hair and an bloodied apron arguing. He also wore an impressive tool belt filled with saws, knives and pliers.
-"But where did you get that eye!? You didn't do what I think you did right? Please tell me you didn't get this one from Mister Fluffington!" Putting his hands over his right eye Desmond made a wry grimace in pain.
-"Don't worry sweetheart! M-Mister Fluffington dresses well in an eye patch!" My head, my eye, Why does it hurt so much?
-"Are you insane!? Do you think Nightgale won't notice that his cat is missing an eye? The first person he is going to blame is you and you know it!" Is it supposed to hurt? Why is my head pounding so badly?
-"He will understand me! From one creative to another."
-"Umm, is there something wrong?" Desmond stop the bickering teachers.
-"Oh, Desmond! You're awake! How are we feeling?" Hans put his hands together and walked up beside Desmond.
-"My head and my right eye throbs and hurts. Is that normal?"
-"I would say so yes. Sweetheart could you find a mirror or something reflective?" Hans instructs the nurse. "I am a little reluctant to say this but things might not have gone as you planned. When I was checking back at my classroom I noticed that I only had one eye spare left. I didn't know what to do so I panicked. You had clearly asked me to get you one pair of eyes but I only had half a pair, a disaster! In my panicked state I tried to think out where I could get a second eye for you. Certainly I couldn't just rip out another students eye again or I would have Jan on my back again. That was when Mister Fluffington, the dreamologist Nightgale's very fluffy but ugly cat, passed my classroom. Time was of the essence so I took a quick decision and rid Mister Fluffington of one of his eyes, treated it with a bit of magic and ran back to you."

Desmond was stunned, shocked and slightly terrified. A disheartened Gertrude walked up next to Hans with a small hand mirror to show Desmond his new countenance. His reflection showed Desmond a perfectly healed face, no burn mark or scars. His eye lashes and eye brows had completely been burned away by the accident and some of his bangs as well. His left eye looked fine, a nice hazel colour, yet it was the right one that he had hoped was just a mean prank. Where his right eye once were sat indeed a cats eye slightly reshaped to fit in the socket.
"Your brain is not yet calibrated to your new eye, hence the pain. It could take months or even years before you are fully accustomed to it. Until then you'll have skewed depth perception and occasional migraine and nausea. Otherwise it will work just fine." Hans gave Desmond an assuring look, yet it failed to inspire any confidence.
-"Here, take this." Gertrude held out a black eye patch for Desmond. "Until you're ready to show your eye you can wear this. It might even help against the pain." Desmond took the eye patch and got out of bed as he put it on.
-"Thank you." Desmond said with a measly tone before walking out. Almost immediately after Desmond close the door he heard someone running after him.
-"Desmond! Wait up would you?" Hans put a hand on Desmond's shoulder to stop him. "This ain't the end of the world alright? Consider yourself lucky you don't have to walk around blind. And besides..." The older man leans in closer and lowers his voice to a whisper. "There are certain benefits to that new eye. If you know how to control it. If you're curious come visit me in organic magic class."

---

Following the stream of students were Julius, Auron and James, marching down the path to school. All three of them had noticed that the older, and most likely more experienced, a wizard got the weirder his taste in fashion gets. Robe, armour, regalia, accessories and anything mixed or in between were adorned with strange patterns, colours, embroidery and/or jewelry. If there was a dress code it had to be elaborate for sure. Accidentally Julius bumps into a pale boy wearing a black eye patch who weirdly enough walks away from the school.
-"Sorry! Didn't see you th... Desmond?" The three boys stops and turn around to find their now healed room mate. "Wow Desmond! They really did a great healing you, err.. But what is the deal with the eye patch?"
-"They only had one spare eye." Desmond answered after some hesitation.
-"Where are you going? Morning class is about to begin and we are not allowed to skip those." Auron stated bluntly.
-"I got permission to skip it this time. I'll find you during lunch." That was probably a lie. Desmond couldn't recall Gertrude telling him it was okay to take the morning off, but his mind were in no state to learn or even care right now.
-"Okay, take care then!" Said James in an attempt to encourage an obviously melancholy Desmond.

When the boys arrived at the entrance to the school they split ways to find their respective classrooms. Julius picked up his pamphlet and looked at the map. After confirming where the raw magic classroom was he walked over to it with determined steps. Upon entering the classroom Julius became a bit puzzled. It was completely empty! Or almost empty, at least the teacher sat behind the rostrum. The classroom was organized in a simple way much like the general education one. One big difference however was how the room felt more fortified than the others. The walls was made out of a different material and looked more sturdy, even the windows were strengthened with iron bars. Dismissing the thought that this was some kind of isolation chamber Julius sat down behind one of the benches like any good student would and began to observe his teacher. It was a young man with red hair splaying wildly. He wore ragged simple clothing and some kind of thick collar around his neck. It looked like he had trouble focusing on some kind on paper he was writing while tapping his foot disturbingly fast. Minutes passed without anyone else entering the classroom or the troubled teacher leaving the rostrum. Just as Julius patience ran out and were about to say something the man flew out of his chair and jumped over the rostrum. He ran all the way up to a scared Julius and pulled him up by his shirt while staring at him with wide open eyes.
-"Want to do something wild!?" He asked almost screaming while his face and body twitched and shook.

---

Auron entered the corruption magic classroom with both anxiety and excitement. Only a few students were inside standing around and small talking. The moment Auron stepped inside the room went deathly quite. The older students glared at Auron as he sat down behind one of the benches. He couldn't care less though which seemed to only aggravate the other students further.
-"I thought Sandor threw you out last time you were here. You got some nerve coming back." One of the other students walked to Auron's desk and slammed her fist on it threateningly. She was dressed in a dark robe with purple marks all over her face. Auron only stared back at her with disdain. Infuriated she punched the young boy off the chair and pressed his face against the cold stone floor. "If I would kill you right here and now no one would even bat an eye. I hope you and your family burn in hell or whatever you place you're going to." Struggling but still silent Auron tried to wiggle out of the girls iron grip. His efforts proved to be worthless as he got nowhere. No sweating Auron felt how some kind of magic pierced his skin, slowly digging it's way to his heart. Auron's vision slowly began to fade and his breath became faint as the spell squeezed his heart.

Suddenly the spell disappeared and a weight was lifted from Auron's back. Quickly rolling over Auron saw the girl being pulled away by her hair, screaming at the top of her lungs. It was her teacher's doing, raw and without mercy. He slammed her into the wall with anger and kept her pinned by her throat.
-"Worthless piece of trash! How dare you pick a fight without a teacher's permission? And with a student way below your own rank, despicable!" The teacher's anger and rage was overwhelming. I was so prominent and strong one could feel it through the school walls. Auron couldn't help but puke because of the fury emanating from the man.
-"Why are you defending him?" The student screamed in terror at her teacher. With a powerful thrust the man stuck his fingers through her throat. Auron watched in indignation as she shrunk and shriveled like rotten fruit until only a limp and emaciated body remained. Stupid family name.
-"Why are you still laying on the floor? Get to the back room with you!" Half scared by the teacher's mad voice Auron hurried into the room they spoke in yesterday.

Nothing had changed inside the back room since last time except for one detail. Placed on the floor in the center of the room stood a small flower in a pot. Auron didn't have much knowledge of flora but any slightly educated guy can recognize an orchid when they see one. Auron didn't have to wait long before his teacher, who seemed more collected, was finished instructing the class.
-"I swear I did not do anything!" Auron defended himself quickly in front of the teacher.
-"I know. If you did you would have already been dead." He answered with barely restrained anger. "I didn't want to kill Louise. She was a good student and a promising witch. However I had to make it clear that you are out of boundaries when it comes to enacting vendetta."
-"I thought you didn't like me?"
-"I don't, so stop pushing it. But I may have let myself get slightly persuaded by Tohrd, damn smooth talker." The last part was said with resent under his breath. With a grunt the masked teacher sat down behind the orchid, motioning Auron to do the same. "Could you feel it when I killed Louise? The feeling when something dies?" {Psyche check successful} How couldn't I?
-"Yes. I could feel how her living force simply escaped her. Like a hot sand streaming lightly over your skin, every grain burning softly, leaving a cold stinging emptiness." Auron did not intend his words to come out so poetically, but it was a very good way to describe it.
-"Impressive words Zecane. I want you to keep that feeling as you channel your magic through this flower. Steel your mind, focus on emptiness and raw death." Stretching out his hand toward the flower Auron closed his hand and focused. Only one thing came to mind though: Gregory Zecane. Auron had never felt anyone reek as much as death as his own father. The boy's fingers turned cold as the spell began working it's magic on the poor flower. Before his very eyes the flower began to wilt and wither. One petal after another turned from white to gray, the stem began to crook and break. I didn't take much longer until only dust remained.
-"How did that feel Zecane?"

---

Desmond sat on porch smoking. He had taken his eye patch off and was looking at the direction of the school. Damn! This eye really hurts. Yet... Desmond had been thinking about what Hans had said earlier, about benefits. I wonder what he can teach me exactly. Will I be able to see in the dark? Will I get animalistic senses? Stupid Hans and his tempting promises. Screw it, let's see what he's up to. Fed up with wallowing in pity Desmond put on his eye patch and decided to head back to school and seek out Hans. With the help of the handy pamphlet Desmond found his way easily through empty corridors.

When Desmond arrived at the classroom door he froze on the spot. As he place his hand on the door knob he can hear the scream of someone in pain. With a nervous gulp he open up the door.
-"Lay still! This will only hurt for a little longer." Desmond hear Hans' crazed and desperate voice from behind a curtain. Blood is running everywhere on the floor. At another corner of the room is two older students, busy pulling each others limbs off. From below the curtain a freshman girl crawls toward a now terrified Desmond. She is missing her lower body, bleeding immensely.
-"Please help me..." She begs Desmond with a weak voice.
-"Don't move Elisa! You will get yourself killed!" Hans bursts through the curtains, sweating badle with his lank hair hanging messy over his face. In his right hand is a big saw covered in blood, just as bloody as his apron. His expression is filled with fascination and fear.
-"Save me... please..." The girl in front of Desmond pulls him by his leg, begging faintly. However Desmond is to scared to help, stunned with fear.
-"Enough of this nonsense, relax!" Hans voice turned more desperate as he pulled the dying girl, screaming with her last breathes, back behind the curtains.

Desmond sat down on the bloody floor staring at the curtain in shock. He sat completely still listening to the meaty sounds and whimpers coming from behind the curtain. The blood kept pouring on the floor, soaking his pants and underwear. Eventually he fainted from the stress, laying face down dirty, crimson blood.

zZzZz

Sweaty and panting Desmond rouse up, eye's wide open. Panic-struck he look around you finding himself laying on top of a wooden table surrounded by curtains. Only a meter away is Hans sitting in a chair smoking his cigarettes. Hans eyes shift to Desmond as he tries to sit up.
-"Oh, you're awake?" His voice was a lot calmer than earlier. "I must say you're a boy full of surprises. I didn't expect a boy of your age wandering around... these things. They certainly helped me relax but I can feel my body getting sick with every breath." The remark was rather concerning. Hearing Hans voice stirred Desmond's memories to life.
-"What happened to the girl? Is she alright?" Desmond said terrified, but he could see no trace of the huge amount of blood on the floor, nor the screaming girl.
-"She is, and she would have been even better if she hadn't rolled of the table."
-"What exactly is going on in here!?" Desmond said in confusion and great anxiety.
-"I take it as you've never seen organic magic before. Organic magic, or blood magic as it also is referred as, is about controlling your own body. We bloodshifters know how to control the flow of our blood, expand and shrink our muscles and tear our or very bones from our body."
-"So the girl just failed with a spell?"
-"Not really. She is a freshman like you who wanted to learn magic. But If you want to partake in my class you’ll need to go through the bloodshifter's trial.”
-“And she didn't make it?”
-“Definitely not. The trial is to experience how it is to be truncated for a whole week and I had to put her legs back after ten minutes! Usually we only cut off an arm or a leg, but she was so cocky I decided to give her a real challenge. Maybe I went a bit overboard.” Hans laugh nervously.
-“What is the purpose of the trial? Why don’t you teach any magic before you force your pupils to take the trial?”
-“It is a test to see if they can truly be bloodshifters. Many times have we organic mages lived without parts of our body before we could regrow them again. I don’t want to give my wisdom to someone who can’t handle it." Hans paused and put out the cigarette. "Now that you know about the trial, do you want to partake in my class?”

---

Desmond

A) Hell no!
B) Not even if my life depended on it!
C) You're sick in the head!
D) *Faint*
E) Will it hurt?

*Well being decreased.*
*New Afflictions.*


Auron

A) It feels wrong...
B) It feels strange...
C) It feels wonderful!

*New spectrum acquired!*
*Learned a new element!*
*Learned a new spell!*


Julius

A) If it's really wild, I'm game!
B) Ehh.. Like what?
C) No thank you very much!

Julius liked to think of himself as a rebel. A crazy kid. Someone who would do wild things, for such was his nature. But this man would make him look like a schoolgirl with a skirt, that's how wild he was. No wonder there were no other students in class. Nobody had the guts. Nobody but me. he thought and felt a sense of pride. "If it's really wild, I'm game!" Julius responded with an almost as loud voice as the red-haired teacher. Or was this even the teacher? He certainly didn't look like it, with that getup and the ... Well, the way he is.

But when he saw the redhair's face after his response, he wondered... What exactly are they gonna do?!

D) The meaty sounds and whimpers from the girl keeps echoing in Desmonds head and when Hans was waiting for a answer, Desmond fell against the wooden table and fainted.

B) As the flower withered away. Zecane felt a feeling that he can't express with words it first sent a chill down his spine and than gave him a warm feeling inside his chest, it felt bad but than good confused about the feeling. "I don't know sir, it feels strange... I can't describe it" He answered with a confusing tone to his voice as he looks more closely observing the ashes trying to find a answer.

-"You are?" The red haired teacher asked surprised as his lips twitched in a wide broad smile. "Yes! It has been so long since I had company!" He hopped up and down around the classroom so fast it was hard for Julius to keep his eyes on him. "Do you ever get urge to do something you are not supposed to!?" He ran up to Julius even more excited than before.
-"I do, sometimes I guess." Julius find it no strange that some misbehavior could be very exciting at times. Of course it depended on how severe the trespassing of rules were but everyone had been naughty once in a while. "Like what?" The wild man's intense glare shifted everywhere around the classroom as if he was looking for something.
-"Let's break some chairs!" He picked up one of the seats next to him and hold it high in it's legs.
-"Wait! Why would we destroy the chairs?" Julius stopped him before he had a chance to smash the furniture on the floor.
-"Do you need a reason? Don't do things because it has a purpose! Don't you wonder how it would feel to just trash everything in a room!?" Not being able to hold back himself any longer he smashed the chair against the floor, wood splinters shooting everywhere from the know demolished seat. This guy really is nuts! But he has a point...

Intrigued by the teacher's violent behavior Julius picked a chair himself and tried to smash it against the wall. Now Julius were by no means weak but the chair would barely crack. Annoyed Julius slammed the chair repeatedly on the wall until finally the back of the seat broke in half. Panting he looked back at the teacher who already had made his way through a whole row of seats. The red haired man didn't look strong with his rather lanky outlook but his furniture rampage told Julius another story. Picking up another chair Julius beat it along the iron bars back and forth, chipping off the legs bit by bit.
-"I have to admit, it feels kind of satisfying destroying things like this!" Julius shouted over to maniac while starting to bash his third chair.
-"Told you! Makes the blood rush doesn't it!?" In ecstatic trance the man punched one of the benches in half with his bare fists. Such raw strength! Is this the work of magic?
-"How do you do that?" Julius asked no longer able to hold back his wonders.
-"Do what?" The red haired man stops and looks at Julius.
-"Smash things so easily! what's your trick?"
-"Magic! I think... Power just comes naturally to me! Jan tells me not to let my feelings and impulses control me but when I do I can do crazy things like this!" With a jumping motion he slammed his fists onto the floor, releasing an overwhelming wave of power around him. It pushed Julius and all the benches and chairs in the room against the walls, the door was ripped of it's hinges and crushed some poor student that was passing by. Even the iron bars and the windows were shattered and bent, blown away by the incredible force. Julius felt how the air in his lungs had been forced out as he had slammed against the stone wall and was now gasping for air. Julius wasn't hurt or mad though, only impressed.

-"Could you teach me how to do that?" Julius asked still wheezing.
-"Do you mean like, you want to become my student?" He asked back almost shocked.
-"Ye, aren't you a teacher here?"
-"I am, or should be at least. As you can see I'm not really teacher material." There were many mixed feeling in the teacher's voice. Joy, sadness, confusion and anxiety were some Julius could make out of what he heard.
-"So where do I start?" Julius stood up and walked over to his new found teacher. The red haired man thought really hard. It looked as if he was vibrating even when he was trying standing still. Shining up like if an idea came to his mind he hurried to drag a bench to the center of the classroom.
-"I want you to break this bench like I did!" He said enthusiastic. {Strength check failed.} Mustering all the strength Julius had he slammed his fists against the bench. However the thick wooden school bench would not budge the slightest, there wasn't even a crack or dent left after the assault. "No no no no no! Use all your strength! Let all the power in your body flow from top to bottom, like you are made out of running water!" Julius shook his arms to let the pain out before he took another attempt at break the table again, now trying to follow his teacher's diffuse instructions.
*Wham!* Another futile attempt.
*Wham!* Julius' arms felt as if they were burning from the impacts.
*Wham!*
*Wham!*
*Wham wham wham wham!* Why won't this damn table budge!? With relentless rage Julius tried one last time.
*Chrack!* The table split in half, splinters flying everywhere. Julius fell to the ground groaning in pain. Looking at his arms he saw blood running down from several small wounds. However these were not caused by any splinters. The last strike was something different. It felt as if the blood in my body rushed through my arms and escaped my body! What did I do?
-"You did it! You actually did it!" The red haired man shouted impressed!

-"An impressive feat indeed." Julius got just as surprised as his teacher when he heard Jan's voice coming from the doorway. "A moment of your time please." Nervous Julius looked around the classroom. It was an utter mess of glass and wood spread all over the floor.
-"Oh, hi Jan! Look I got myself a student today!" The teacher didn't seem bothered at all by the chaos created from their practice.
-"I can see the Razzil, I'm very glad you are making progress." Jan walked right past Julius and Razzil and picked up a piece of paper hidden beneath the mess. Is that the paper he wrote on when I got here?
-"I also finished the paper as you asked me to! Isn't it great!?" Razzil as Julius now know him by sounded very hopeful.
-"It is. Your handwriting is very close to readable as well. Your progress makes me proud Razzil, it really does, but this can not continue." Jan pointed at the serious mess in the classroom.
-"But it's the only way I know how to teach Jan! I clean this up I promise!"
-"You will, but the demolition of your classroom's interior ends today. It is very consuming both in time and resources to repair the damage you cause every time you happen to get a new disciple. Why do you think our students prefer to learn raw magic by their own rather than with you?" Razil lower his head in shame. "As for you Julius. Though it is not written in your pamphlet it's part of the unwritten school rules under common sense that you are not allowed to destroy or damage the school's property. I realize it was your teacher who urged you to vandalize this classroom but you need to be punished nonetheless, although a bit more lightly. When afternoon's lessons are finished I want you to stop by the craft's classroom and help Basil. That would be all." Jan left the classroom still trying to read whatever Razzil had written.

---

Auron was enjoying his lunch in peace. After a small talk with Sandor, as Auron had learned his name were, Auron had been excused for the rest of the lesson. Next time he would take part of the class like anyone else.
-How did that feel Auron?"
-"I don't know sir, it feels strange... I can't describe it."
-"As I imagined you possess some serious magical power. The Junior students who come here can't even make the plant wither, much less turn it into dust. I'm afraid to say this but you seem to have a natural talent for this kind of magic. Watch your back and put it to good use."
Auron smiled at what happened earlier. Maybe this place won't be so bad after all?
-"Now that's something you won't see everyday! Whatever could it be that got your lips to turn into a smile?" Julius sat down next to Auron.
-"Nothing. What gave you those wounds?" Auron nodded at the bright red dots all over Julius arms.
-"Nothing. But at least I know how to use magic now! I think..." The last part was said very lowly. "You haven't seen Desmond anywhere have you?"
-"The homeless one? No. He's probably still at the cottage wallowing in pity."
-"I don't get it Auron. Why do you have to be so mean and bitter all the time? It's no wonder people spit in your food! Why don't you try to show some respect from time to time? Desmond actually lost his eyes!"
-"And I almost got killed by my classmates today. But do you see me feeling sorry for myself? You don't know me in the slightest so don't judge me." Auron left the table and the dining hall to cool down.
-"Then let me know you..." Julius said to himself before he dug into the meatballs and potato mash.

With his good mood completely washed away Auron walked aimlessly through the corridors. Eventually he decided upon waiting in the classroom for his class to begin. The door to the classroom was wide open when Auron got there so he simply walked right in and sat down by one of the benches.
-"Here early today Auron?" Tohrd asked as he polished a few skulls by the rostrum. It didn't look like human skulls though, they had much stranger shapes.
-"Yes." Auron said bluntly as he heaved his body on top of the bench.
-"Tough day I presume?"
-"One could say so."
-"Well don't just sit there like you've been defeated, get over here and help me instead." Auron saw no reason to refuse the invitation so he stood up and walked over to Tohrd. "Here, take this cloth and polish polish the skulls on the table."
-"What kind of skulls are these?" Auron asked intrigued as he picked one up. It had three different eye sockets and one large, long hole which Auron assumed was a snout.
-"Demon skulls of course. They will be of use in today's exercise." As Tohrd and Auron polished the different skulls more and more students began to drop in for today's class. All the skulls were properly polished when the classroom was about half full. "You've been a great help Auron, keep up the good work." Said Tohrd before Auron sat down by his bench again.

"Let's begin with today's lesson. As we did this morning you will try to channel your magic through a demon skull to establish a link with a demon. The skulls contain traces of demonology magic and should help you finding a good wave-length to communicate through. A seasoned Demonologist won't need a skull to communicate but it's great for beginners to get a grasp of the feeling. Remember if you would happen to get a connection with a demon, don't be afraid! They will notice it and take advantage over you. Good luck!" Everyone, including Auron, walked up to the rostrum and picked a skull. Auron found himself a small and pointy skull with twisted horns. He placed it gently in front of him on the school bench. He placed a hand gently on top of the skull. Closing his eyes Auron could feel a very familiar feeling that he had felt many times back at the manor, the presence of demons. Gently Auron channeled his magic through the skull. It didn't take long before something happened.

-"Aaah! What the buzzing!? My head is spinniiiiing!" Auron heard a shrill voice in his head screeching.
-"Who are you?" Auron thought.
-"Voices! I hear voices!!!"
-"Would you calm down!" Auron thought now irritated. Apparently his thought's managed to silence whatever he was talking to. "Now, who are you?"
-"Me? No one! Worthless, trash, scum!"
-"Don't you have a name?"
-"Why would I? I don't belong anyone." It was hard to determine whatever that was a sad or happy sentiment. "Who are voice inside head? Are you filthy being?"
-"Who do you call filthy!?"
-"Sorry sorry! But you filthy being?"
-"What do you mean?"
-2 "Are filthy being? Pale skin? Ugly nose? Dirty mind?"
-"Are you asking if I'm human?"
-"Yes! I asked if you filhty being!"
-"I am 'a filthy being' yes. Why wouldn't you have a name?"
-"I masterless, no filthy being wants trash. They don't become scrublord with scums." After that sad sentiment the connection broke.

Auron looked around him. he was still in the classroom with other students sitting around that was still focusing just as hard as he had. Auron felt a slight headache from focusing too hard, he really put his back into that spell. The focus and calmness in the classroom was soon broken however by a catastrophe. From below one of the student's benches a twisted being crawled out of some sort of deep crimson mist. It wasn't taller than a child but much more bulky and fat. It's arms were long and covered in deformed spikes of bones. The face, wry and spotty without eyes and nose but instead two big wretched grins filled with sprawling, orange teeth. The skin was greasy and deep gray and his legs short and chubby with long claws. This monstrosity just climbed out of the floor, tumbling over the bench and pushed the now terrified student out of his chair. The whole classroom turned into utter panic as the demon crawled over the boy who wasn't older than Auron.
-"Who are you calling fat and smelly filthy being?" Said the demon belching a rancid smell all over the classroom. Everyone looked in fear as the demon stroke one of his long slimy tongues over the boys wide open eyes. Auron looked at Tohrd who was standing behind the rostrum, trying to keep his laugh to himself. Well he isn't going to help it seems...

---

-"Where is my leg!? Hans what have you done!?" Desmond was shaking and panicking on top of the wooden table. All the stress had made him faint earlier. It would've actually been peaceful if it wasn't for what he woke up to.
-"Well you didn't say no! So I thought you wanted me to take one of your limbs while you were taking a nap."
-"I.. I.. I.. I.." When Desmond had woken up he did not feel his left leg.
-"Calm down Desmond, it's just a leg. Besides you'll get it back in a week."
-"Bu-bu-but..." When looking down he found only a stump in bandage.
-"It's alright Desmond, here is a crutch for you. Just come back in a week and I'll put the leg back on alright? Now get out of here so I can prepare for the afternoon" Hans hurried out Desmond from his office and closed the door behind him.
If one would walk by he would see a one legged boy in his underwear with a wooden crutch. Over is left eye he wore a black eye patch. He was weary, stressed, destroyed and broken. Not knowing what to do Desmond fell to the hard floor sobbing uncontrollably and didn't stop for a full hour. What the fuck do I do now!? What kind of hell is this!?

---

Desmond

(̮̂̓̆ͫͫ̄͜Oͤp̵̥̪̋̾̄ê̐̔͏̳͕̬̖n̰̆̿̕ ͎̘͌̌̚Ċ̴̣̥͍͎͚͕̙̀̏ho̶̪̟̙̦̗̘͉͆͂̀͐̑̈i̪̬̤̮̔̅ͅc̰̳͑̿͘e̝̩̪͎͔ͭ)̦̲̺͋̐ͫ̀

*Well being decreased.*
*New affliction.*


Auron

A) Step in and play the hero!
B) Stand by and watch what happens next.
C) Use your new spell and urge the demon to kill him!

*Learned a new element!*
*Learned a new spell!*
*Psychic increased!*


Julius

A) Attend detention.
B) Skip detention.

*New skill acquired!*
*New spectrum acquired!*
*Learned a new element!*
*Learned a new spell!*
*Affined Increased!*

B)
After looking at Tohrd, seeing that he is trying to hide that he is laughing. Zecane feels like he just can sit back and relax. "maybe my day can get better after all" he thinks, waiting to see what happens next.

A)

Julius liked to do wild things, and Razzil seemed to be the overlord of wild things, but even he realized that breaking the rules wasn't acceptable around here. He must attend the detention and help out Basil the Crafts teacher. Maybe he could learn something in the process? Make new friends? Seeing Jenny Redoak there probably wouldn't happen. She seemed to be a well-behaved girl and probably wouldn't attend detention, since she'd never get detention in the first place!

But something bugged Julius... The poor student who had been crushed by the door when Razzil had released his energy in the classroom. Julius didn't know if it was a boy or a girl, but... Was he/she alright? Lunch was getting lonely, however, and Julius felt even more lonely with such depressing thoughts as these. So he tried to have a look around to see if there was any others he could socialize with. Maybe sit next to some group of kids his age if they had an empty seat? Julius liked to surround himself with people and so far Desmond was a wreck and Auron was a gloom. He didn't know if he could count on them as friends when the time came.

If no such oppotrunity was to present itself, Julius would simply finish his meal, attend the next class, and sit out his detention. Supper would be late this evening, it seems.

Desmond is slowly making his way out the school corridors. He have never used a crutch before, never been seriously injured before... before Lazarus. Feeling weak he uses the walls as support but slips and falls down on the cold hard floor. Desmond keeps limping, trying to get to the cottage.

When the tired, broken, shaking Desmond finally sees the cottage he throws the crutch away, sick of it. Trying to jump on one leg but he keeps feeling dazed so he begins to crawl his way to the cottage. Lying before the door he leaves his eye patch outside before he enters.

Sitting in the middle of the room mumbling "This isn't me" over and over again. Suddenly trembling in fear he starts to scratch and dig with his fingers in his eyes until he get a calming sensation. Leaning back against a bedside he raises his right hand and starts to channel a flow of mana that heats up air inside the cottage. A brief moment before the disaster Desmond felt how he had made peace. Desmond still sitting in the burning cottage, consumed by his own flames...

Julius, now alone by the table, thought about the student from earlier, the one that got crushed. Strangely Jan seemed to ignore his well being completely as he didn't even bat an eye at the thing. His pals had pulled him out under the heavy door that had lain on top of him. His friends asked him if he was in pain. He had answered yes, groaning over his broken ribs. There was no hard feeling though when Julius had apologized even though it was Razzil's fault. Apparently these kind of accidents are common. Julius shook his head at how bizarre the whole thing was. Things are so much different here. Wonder what the others back in Northwreck would think? Julius' thoughts trailed him to think of his home back in Northwreck, his friends that he left behind and how lonely he actually felt. James and Desmond were nice and all but they were not close enough to be friends, yet of course! But Julius was not shy nor was he indecisive. Taking his plate with him he chose to sit down by another table to get some company.

-"Mind if I join you?" Asked Julius before he took place by a new table. Already there sat three other students, slightly older than Julius but around the same size.
-"Not at all, right guys?" The middle one asked which the others responded to with assent shakes of their heads. Julius thanked the boys and sat down.
-"Hey, aren't you that Nord guy who wrecked Razzil's classroom?" The question was asked from the left most guy. He was snub nosed and chubby with a sincere smile on his freckled face.
-"I can't take all the credit, Razzil did the heavy lifting."
-"Wow, learning raw magic with such quickness is impressive." The boy on Julius right hand side gave a nod showing that he was impressed. His brown hair was tied into a top knot, revealing his pimply fore head. His posture clearly showed that he was the laid back kind of guy.
-"How come you know all of this? I didn't see you around during the entire class." While Julius didn't mind basking in the glory he found it strange that rumours were out already.
-"Words spread fast here at Lauzurus. If you learn when and where to keep your ears open you won't miss a thing." The middle boy leaned back in his chair with a smug face, obviously impressed with himself. Like the two other boys he is wearing humdrum, almost bland clothes considering what people wore in this school, and has silver white hair reaching down to his shoulders.
-"You know, we haven't had many Nords around lately. Come to think of it, you are probably the only Nord here on the school right now! The chubby one continued.
-"Ye... I think you're right on that one. Milla is still out on that job she was assigned during this summer and Olaf was killed during last year's exam." The silver haired boy put a finger against his fore head while thinking.
-"Didn't he had his legs bitten off by a nature dragon and bleed out on the way home?" The laid back boy took a bite out of his food as he looked at the other two.
-"That's the truth, saw it with my own eyes! There is actually one other Nord here at the school now that I think of it. A senior student named Tove Staghorn, though he is more known as 'Snow.' I've only seen him a few times, even less in action. He is rather shy, or so I heard." The silver haired said triumphant.

During the rest of his lunch Julius learned that the boy's, who also are junior students, names are Bill, the chubby one, Joseph, the laid back one, and Marcus, the one with silver hair. They are a nice bunch of guys who share cottage together, number one hundred thirty. Sadly their last roommate had passed away during the summer to alcohol poisoning, a weird accident really. Satisfied that he had made some new acquaintances Julius proceeded to next class after lunch.

---

maybe my day can get better after all Leaning back in his chair Auron watch as the demon run one of his tongues over the young summoner's eyeball.
-"Please! Leave me alone! Please!" desperately the boy try to crawl away but the demon's spiky arms keep him pinned against the floor. Opening his lower mouth the demon pukes an orange substance that melts the poor boy's face. Screaming at the top of his lungs the boy try to shake and twist still pinned by the monster. Almost everyone in the classroom became terror stricken by the atrocious sight, either screaming themselves or running. The boy's screams did not fade until his face and flesh had corroded completely, leaving only his skull and brain matter intact.
-"Alright, you had your fun. Off you go!" Thord walked up next to the demon and tore open a red rift vertically in front of them.
-"But why?" The demon asked still belching.
-"So I don't have to kill you." The demon asked no further question before jumping into the rift that quickly closed behind him. Looking down at the oozing body Thord chuckled and clapped his hand to gather everyone's attention. "I think that concludes today's lesson. Moral of the day: don't be mean to others, especially if they are stronger than you. Now scuttle home you imbeciles!"
Before leaving the classroom Auron turned to ask Thord a question.
-"Thord, what just happened?"
-"This fool got in contact with the monstrosity you just saw. Apparently he angered him in some way, probably by being an outright cock. Demons can't open portals to our world, not with their own magic at least. He must have tapped into Thomas mana through the link and opened a portal with his magic. It's not an uncommon accident among fresh Demonlocks."
-"Were there nothing you could do to stop it?"
-"Of course I could've stopped it from happening. But why would I? He got what he deserved."

---

Exhausted from a heavy lecture about combining elements Julius make his way through the masses to the craft classroom. The last students in crafts class was just leaving when Julius stepped inside. The classroom is big with many different workbenches spread across the room. There are huge racks with saws, hammers and other tools Julius could not identify. There are also several large apparatuses which are very alien to the Nord.
-"You're that Nord boy that forced me to work overtime? Get over here!" The only one left inside the classroom besides Julius is Basil, the crafts teacher. He is tall and slender, but still rather fit. He got golden hair down to his shoulders and a graceful complexion. He must be the number one girl crush on this school... With a small hint of shame Julius walked up to the teacher.
-"What would you have me do for you?"
-"We are going to make new chairs and new tables for the classroom you so willingly destroyed. I assume you're not skilled in the area of carpentry?"
-"I'm not." Helping with replacing the furniture Julius destroyed seem to be a very fair punishment.
-"That means you are cutting the pieces. Come along." Julius followed Basil to a strange machine. It looked like a metal table on top of a box made out of iron with a clunky arm hanging over the surface. Mounted on the bottom side of the arm were a thin but long blade with many small teeth. The blade reached all the way down through the surface of the table. Next to the machine was huge stack of wooden planes and planks.
-"What is this thing?"
-"It's one of the many gifts we've been given by our friends in the east, a band saw. To put it simply it's a saw that cut things fast and without you having to work or fuel it. You just have to push the wood in the right direction and the machine will do the hard work." Basil flipped some kind of switch on the back of the machine. It began humming loudly and the blade started to move rapidly up and down, so fast that it almost appeared to not move at all! "I have drawn lines and instructions over the wood so you'll know where to cut and in which direction. Don't slack and we'll be able to be home before the sun sets."

Picking up one of the large and heavy wooden boards Julius placed it on top of the machine. On inspection there are many detailed and well drawn lines with arrows pointing in the desired direction and numbers showing the correct order of doing things. The work and detail he put into these instructions are amazing! He must be really skilled when it comes to carpentry. Julius followed the indications and pushed the heavy board on top of the brushed steel and against the saw. Much to his astonishment the machine cut through the thick wood like a hot knife through butter. So this is what you can build with magic? Unbelievable... When the first pieces were cut up, pieces which Julius assumed were table pieces, he handed it to Basil who stood ready at a workbench behind Julius. It had barely passed a second after Julius turned around before Basil had begun to hammer different plugs and nails. When the Nord had barely cut through the half of the second set of pieces Basil was done assembling the table. Julius almost lost a few fingers looking back over his shoulder, impressed by the talented teacher. Growing more and more accustomed to the machine Julius could pick up the pace, almost matching that of Basil's. The pair worked hard and exact for a couple of hours before they were finished. The classroom was now filled with new and fresh chairs and benches. Without that machine this would have taken at least a days work! I wonder what the other machines can do?

-"That'll do it. I'm happy to see someone with some working spirit for once!" Gazing over their work Basil gave off a genuine smile. "I wouldn't mind seeing you around here outside detention, perhaps you could accomplish something great."
-"Thanks for the kind words, Maybe I will!" Catching glimpses of Basil working and operating that machine gave Julius some satisfaction, they joys of working with your hands. Saying good bye to Basil, Julius retired to his cottage. The sky was crimson when Julius left the almost empty school. Julius walked the path home thinking about how nice it would be to get some well deserved shut eye. Hard work, magic teachings and lack of food can make anyone exhausted. The idea of rest however was quickly abandoned when Julius arrived at his cottage.
"No..."

---

-"Goddess! Whatever did I do to deserve your punishment!? Who have I wronged!?" James screamed at the heaven on his knees. "Crimson sky and hell fire, this is divine punishment! Oh Maoma please forgive us!"
-"Would you shut up already? It's surely just an accident made by some incompetent students." Said Auron obviously fed up with his roommate's repentance.
-"It was you, you allowed this to happen!" James pushed his finger against Auron's chest accusing.
-"Me!? I don't know any magic to cause this!" Auron answered upset as he struck away James' finger. "You should blame the Desmond if anyone, wherever he's hiding."
-"Oh you didn't put the house on fire. The gods are just trying to wipe you and your family off the face of this earth for all the evil you've caused!"
-"Then your gods suck! They couldn't even kill a child and they tried to do so in a coward's way!" Auron could feel his blood boil within, his veins filling up with magic. {Auron, Strong check failed} Screaming in rage James threw punches at Auron's face. Auron tried to block but his efforts were futile, the blond boy was so much stronger than him. Taking a straight punch to the temple Auron hit the ground whimpering.

-"No..." When Julius arrived he found utter disaster. His cottage was smoking and charred and his rommates were fighting outside in front of a small crowd the had formed around the scene of the accident. Auron was pinned to the ground receiving a reckless beating from James. "What the hell!? Stop it James, you're killing him!" Julius ran at full speed and tackled James off a barely conscious Auron. "What have gotten into you!?" Julius shake the boy by his clothes.
-"He caused this! That hedonist brought the wrath of the gods upon us!"
-"Desist!" Jan's voiced echoed over the village, freezing everyone present on the spot. The old man ran as fast as he could and separated the two boys. "I don't know what's happening here but it's stopping right now. Explain yourselves!" Jan was furious, his face positively shining red.
-"Relax old man, I have some answers for you." An older student covered in soot walked out the smoking cottage. He was carrying a burned corpse.
-"Hilmar, what happened here?"
-"I was on my way home from the library when I noticed smoke and screams were coming from this part of the village. Naturally I ran over to check what was happening and found this cottage burning. Using my water magic I put out the fires inside. When I was finished I did some investigating and found this body." Hilmar, as Jan called the senior student, laid down the corpse in front of the residents of cottage eighty one blue. "I found clear traces of fire magic around his body and where he sat. I would say this was a magical accident, but of course there is the possibility someone killed him."
-"Can you identify the corpse?" Asked a now cooled down Jan looking and Julius and James. Julius looked at the black corpse. There wasn't many details left of the boy that had died. His clothes were burnt to crisp and most facial features were indiscernible except for the eerie smile he had. The body did however miss one leg but Julius did not know of anyone missing an leg.
-"Oh right! I also found this on the porch outside." Hilmar pulled out a black eye patch from one of his pockets. Julius heart sunk inside his chest.
-"I think I know who this is..." Julius heart was heavy as he said those words. "This is probably Desmond, he lived with us. I saw him wearing that eye patch when we met him earlier today. He also know how to use fire magic..."
-"Thank you for your help Julius, Hilmar: Your intervention here is much appreciated. We'll bury the Desmond tomorrow after school. I'll ask Basil and Anders to rebuild your house this weekend."
-"Uhm, is there anywhere we can sleep until then?"
-"Outside. Just keep close to the village and you'll be fine." Jan picked up Desmond's body and walked back to school.

-"The homeless one made us homeless with his final useless actions, bastard." Auron said lowly as he sat up. Gently he touched his badly bruised face. pfft, he gave me nothing more than a few bruises. Though he's stronger than I thought.
-"Are you alright Auron? He messed you up good." Julius said concerned as he helped Auron up on his feet.
-"I'm fine."
-"Well, uhm... We have to fix somewhere to sleep, like a camp or something." James tried to say it with some determination but it only came out as awkward when he felt the looks from his remaining roommates.
-"We do. We need sticks for a camp fire and tree rice to sleep on." Julius looked at Hilmar who seemed to have something to say.
-"I managed to save your belongings, but any furniture inside is useless. Perhaps some of the cooking utensils are sill salvageable. Since it sounds like you plan on keeping to the rules and not sleeping at someone else's house I recommend you to sleep in one of the glades over in that direction." Hilmar point and direct the group how to get there before he left the three boys to check out the house. The inside of what once was their home is now burned to piles of ash and wood. Checking under their beds they find that the things they brought with them are still intact. In silence they picked up their things and gathered whatever's useful from the kitchen, mostly pots and pans. Following Hilmar's instructions the three venture into the woods under the setting sun. The area around campus was pretty open with the trees and bushes growing sparse. It didn't take long before the boys found the spot Hilmar was talking about, a large and relatively flat spot free of roots and stones.
-"This is perfect. Let's dump our things here and get to work." Julius takes command over the group. "Auron you can look for tree rice to sleep on, James you're on duty to find wood for a camp fire. I will be taking some pots with me and try to find some water." No one argued with the sensible orders and got to work quickly, nightfall was upon them.

Julius didn't know if he had good senses or or just lucked out but he found a stream not too far away from their camping site. The brook's rippling was quite soothing. It helped Julius to relax and focus, taking away the bad feelings of Desmond's death, the fear of being hunted by wild animals or monsters. Tasting the cold water Julius confirms that it's clean enough to use without boiling it. {Julius, Vigilant check failed} Filling as much as he can carry of the water Julius carries it back to the camp site. Even though all of this is horrible there is still one thing I'm glad about. We were forced to scout some of the woods and find it's resources. I understand now that's how Jan and the school want us to live, Making use of the natural resources the woods has to offer. Guess it's time to learn how to hunt!

In some other part of the woods Auron was picking up fir twigs. Auron had never really been in any woods before, much lees slept in any, but these twigs looked most comfortable to lie on. James is starting to become a problem. He lashing out at me was not a not time thing, it will happen again if I don't do something about it. Maybe I can prove to him that I'm a better person than he thinks? Or at least a better person than my father. Or perhaps I could show him how much of a monster a Zecane can be? The would surely shut him up, if not for good... {Auron, Vigilant check failed} Carrying a towering amount of twigs Auron delivered them back to the site, he had only to go a couple of times more before there were enough for three beds.

When the starry sky began to show the three boys had finished their tasks. The beds were finished, there were plenty of water to go around and the camp fire was set to go. There was just one small problem: No one knew how to make a fire.
-"Great, of course the fire mage would be the one to die." James sighed.
-"If he hadn't been a fire mage we would not have been here, idiot." Said Auron as he froze. Swedium is a temperate country, but the nights can get really cold this far north even during the summer.
-"Maybe I can help?" A younger kid's voice scared the group.
-"Ted? What are you doing here?" Julius asked surprised to see the boys coming through the woods.
-"I heard what happened to Desmond. I kind of wanted to check up on you guys."
-"That's awfully kind of you! You wouldn't mind lightning the camp fire for us?"
-"Not at all!" Ted bended down and snapped his fingers above the camp fire a couple of times. with a whoosh the wood lighted up, giving off a nice warmth.
-"Thanks kid! Ted was the name right? How did you know Desmond?" James asked as he hopped closer to the fire.
-"We used to classmates, so I didn't get much time to know him sadly."
-"Two days at Lazurus and he already succumbs. The school is living up to it's name."
-"He was just a weakling. Anyone worthy of their name can survive here." Auron knew it from the very first day they met. The homeless one was the weakest in the bunch. Auron's statement created an awkward silence for quite some time. All of the were thinking very hard to figure out whatever Auron said was true or not.
-"I think I know now what our teacher meant. It doesn't matter how many safety measures the school take, fools will find a way to get themselves killed anyway. Desmond, he was a fool, a nice fool, but still a fool." Ted broke the silence. {Julius, Vigilant check failed.}
-"Then so we shall remember him! Desmond, the fool, will live on in our memories, though his presence in our life were short." Julius stood up and put a hand against his chest as a sign of respect. James and Ted followed his example and eventually Auron did also, though more reluctant.
-"I better be going guys before it gets too late. I'll be back tomorrow to help you light the fire!" Ted waved the boys good bye as he left the camp site.
-"I don't know about you, but I'm dead tired. Let's go to sleep." Julius yawned as he lay down.
-"I agree, surely tomorrow won't be any easier than any other school day." And so, the three went so sleep.

zZzZz

Wednesday, 07:14
Location: The shallow woods

Stiff but rested the group marched to school after putting out the fire. Sleeping outside isn't the most glamours thing, but they had made the best out of a bad situation. Once at the school the boys split up to get to their respective classrooms. Auron headed for the general education classroom. Upon entering the classroom he immediately noticed how scarce the class were compared to his other classes, there were barely half the amount of students. Guess knowledge is not as interesting as magic. A bit baffled Auron sat down in one of the benches and made himself comfortable. Jan came through the door shortly after, he was carrying an armful of scrolls which he put down on the rostrum.
-"Welcome to today's lesson, glad to see some decided to stick with us today. This sessions subject is geography and relations to said countries. As you may know Swedium is the centre of the world we call Serttena. We take up the most liveable landmass out of all five countries. Not too far east of here lies Saidida and the great Sadvian desert. The Sadvian people are quite different from us on many levels. Their bodies are covered in hair and their ears are more, animalistic, than ours making them look less human than they actually are. However when it comes to culture they are far more developed than us. They are masters of science and technology, using their synthetic magic to build spectacular inventions. Their crown jewel is Elysia, a huge flying city in the sky which houses more than half their population. On a bright summer's day you might even spot it from the school far on the horizon. The rest of their people live as nomads down on the blazing dunes, marching between waterholes in search of a sanctuary. If you travel even further east through the desert and over the abyss, an enormous fissure stretching from the low south to the high north, you get to the far lands. The far lands is a seemingly dead place, a barren wasteland with no end. Those who have sought out the end of the far lands have never returned. Back on the subject of Saidida. Swedium has as of now a neutral stance toward the Sadvian people, however it is worth noting that our school have a close relationship with them, trading both knowledge and students. I believe we have four Sadvians here at out school, though they mostly keep to themselves.

To the north lies as the name implies, Northwreck. Though the cold tundra and glaciers are liveable only a very small portion is inhabited by humans, the Nords. The large mountains in the far upper north are infested with pestering vampires, spreading their blight further and further to claim the land as their own. The Nords are a tribal people, living simple and primal, claiming commune with the nature. They are tall and strong with a will of iron. Back in the old days they helped us recover from the demon invasion, fighting the battle vigilantly. As of today our alliance remain strong. It is because of their alliance we have sent a crusade north, fighting back the vampires blight to free their lands. Sadly is would seem as the battle is endless with no victory in sight after these sixteen long years. But our people is proud, we will honour our alliance until either fate is met.

Surrounding our coasts from south to west all over to the frozen seas in the north lies what we call the great sea. If you travel straight west over the sea you reach Lynina, a large elongated island. There lives the Lynnian people, a descendant of our people. Far back during the first demon wars a portion of our people fled our battle ridden lands to find peace. They took a boat to the west and never came back, presumed dead by their peers. A couple of centuries later an unknown ship came with interesting news about the 'Lynnian Empire.' The first settlers had found an inhabitable safe haven at sea and founded a new country of their own. During the centuries they had evolved both cultural and technological, according to them surpassing our ways. Instead of welcoming our brethren home they were met with despise, marked as traitors of the realm. Many years have passed since and we're on relative good terms now, albeit shaky. The Lynns look much like us, perhaps a bit shorter. They are masters of the sea, having mastered the art of sailing, trade and commerce. Their diplomats are very skilled as well, an investment and tradition they made to preserve peace. Despite that even they've had their fair share of war with their neighbours.

North of Lynina lies the blackthorn jungle, a few isolated islands with thick and wild jungles. Deep inside these jungles live the Tersh tribes, humans like us with ebony skin. They carry some resemblance to our northern friends, being a tribes people with spiritual ways. However the Tersh are a lot more vicious and territorial than the Nords. A lot about them is still mystery; their heritage, their intent and their ways. However not too many years ago the Lynns and the Tersh fought each other in a bloody war, competing over a specific island between them. The Tersh came out victorious, claiming the island for themselves with no compromises. Though the Lynnian Empire was spared there is still a lot of bad blood between them. I brought some maps of you to study, very detailed world maps. I want you to be extremely careful while handling them, these are of immense value!" Jan gave a scroll to each one of the students. Auron took good time to examine the very detailed and beautiful map. Not only were key location painted on it, but also the different natures and descriptions of the countries' landscapes. So this is how our world look like? Interesting...

---

Julius took the stairs to the second floor and pushed through the crowded corridors to reach the classroom on the opposite side of the school. He entered the wide open door to the classroom to find it to be much like the first classroom he was in with Jan, but smaller. A few older students were leaning against the wall, small talking a bit not paying much attention to Julius entering. Julius decided to sit down and wait for the teacher and listen in to what wizards may talk about.

-"Did you hear what Jerry was up to?" One of the older girls ask her friend. She is wearing a long and thick black robe which sparkle purple in the light form the windows. She got long black hair like Auora but a more healthy look.
-"Mischief I reckon." Her friend respond with a fed up look. She is wearing a pale yellow sun dress with knee high brown boots. Her long red hair is tied together with many different ribbons.
-"Most likely. This new movement of his is, unsettling to say the least."
-"You don't say? It bothers me that so many seem to buy that crap too!"
-"I just wish the teachers would step in and do something about it. Do you think Jan is getting too old to care?"
-"I don't know. But what I do know is if I get a good chance I'll melt that troublemaker's smirk shut." Their conversation gets interrupted by a ripping sound follow by a soft crackle. Julius turn his head to see what's up and spot on the far wall how a deep purple oval have appeared on it. Through this magical shape an older man steps forward. His leathery face is covered with grey stubble, his hair was short and lank, the black colour was sprinkled with his first grey hairs. He wore a big brown coat and big brown boots both pretty worn, making him look like a fisherman or maybe a bum.

-"Alright kids today's lesson starts now, tag along." He said with a surprisingly fresh and young voice for his looks. The other students made their way through the magic shape on the wall. Not knowing what to do Julius simply followed the other students. The wizards in front of you seemingly disappear as they enter the mystical shape. Just as you were about to approach the strange magic the teacher put an arm in your way.
-"Hold on there mister, I can barely your magic. You must be a freshman am I right?"
-"I am mister." Julius answered politely.
-"Well we can't have you getting lost in the void. I wouldn't want to explain to your parents why you're drifting around in darkness for all eternity." The man stuck his head inside the magical hole. "Hey class! Study the space fabric while I take care of the newcomer here, I'll get you once class is over!" The spell closed behind him as he pulled out his head and turned to you.

-"What was that thing you walked through?" Julius asked equally scared and fascinated.
-"I take it as you're not versed in the arts of magic yet. What you just saw were a magic portal leading to the void, the crossroad between all planes. I'll teach you more about that at a later time." Your teacher walked past you to a cabinet on the other side of the room, obviously looking for something inside. "I didn't expect to get a new student this afternoon, so beg me pardon for my lack of preparation. We don't get many freshmen here in galaxial magic class." Finding what he was looking for the man hold up a small pouch. He walked up to Julius and threw it on the ground creating a whirlwind of golden and silver dust, making Julius cough as he reflexively covered his eyes.
"By the looks of it your a Nord, interesting, what do you know about the stars?" The teacher was seemingly unmoved by the dust storm in the room.
-"Loa told me the stars are the souls of our ancestors, watching down on us while we sleep so they are assure that we're safe." Julius felt that he could open his eyes as the dust began to settle.
-"That might be true, but more practically speaking the stars are huge masses of burning magic. The thing I just threw on the ground was concentrated star dust. I hope you didn't inhale any of it."
-"I'm fine." maybe you shouldn't have thrown it on the ground then, jerk.
-"The stars are constantly giving off stardust that lands here in our world, so much like regular dust there is stardust almost everywhere. However you need to use magic to use it or even find it. Let's practice just that!"

Julius were instructed to use the cosmic winds as he called it. Apparently all magic from other worlds flow through the cosmic winds. By feeling them you can get the same feeling as when you manipulate the stardust that is everywhere around. Julius mustered his magic powers and opened his senses. Little by little Julius magic ooze out and catches the cosmic winds. So that's how it feels? This isn't hard compared to raw magic! Stretching out his arms Julius waved them around to catch the stardust around him. The dust was caught in Julius magic and followed the movement of his hands in a stream-like pattern.
-"That was impressive actually! Who would've known a freshman could learn raw magic so early in his studies! The way you used it you your advantage was clever."
-"You're not supposed to do it like that?" Julius asked surprised.
-"No, but I would argue your way was better than any I've seen before. Let's continue our practice." For the remainder of the lesson Julius practised how to control the stardust. First by placing all of it back in pouch and then by finding stardust that isn't concentrated like the one in the pouch.
-"So what can I do with stardust?" Julius asked once the lesson was over.
-"I didn't tell you? Well it's great for disturbing other's magic and spells. If you manage to get it in their eyes they will be blinded or if they happen to swallow they will start hallucinating. You'll learn even more uses for it as you progress, so let's keep it simple for now."

After today's lessons were finished the three boys gathered outside the school.
-"Desmond's burial will be held in a few minutes. I'll be going there to pay my respect for the dead. How about you two? Of course you mustn't come but it would seem a bit disrespectful, even if Desmond only were our roommate for a very short time." James looked at the other two with a serious face.

---

Desmond

You are dead. You will be notified when your next character can enter.



Auron

(Open Choice)
*Learned a new skill!*
*Clever increased!*
*Well being decreased.*


Julius

(Open Choice)

*Alignment increased!*
*New spectrum acquired!*
*Learned a new element!*
*Learned a new spell!*
*Affined Increased!*
*Psychic increased!*
*Convincing increased!*
*Popularity increased!*

Julius thought about the new friends he had made. The ones he met during lunch yesterday, who told him you could hear anything as long as you know where to listen and who to ask. These guys seem to know about that stuff, so he considered finding them and learning more. Friendship with them might be more beneficial than expected..?
When moving, suddenly Julius' arms ached slightly from muscle strain. That extra work during detention with Basil had took a slight toll on him, but he felt good about it. He felt like crafts class maybe wasn't so bad after all. He considered doing a change in his schedule, but he hadn't even finished the week yet so he thought he might try out all the classes first before changing one.

When arriving at the cottage, Julius' heart stuck in his throat. It had burned down.
<skip>
So Desmond had killed himself? Burnt the cottage down in the process? That crazy bastard..! But still, Julius couldn't help but feel sad at his loss. Auron and James had fought over it, the idiots. If they can't set aside their differences, how are they going to make it in Lauzurus? They'll end up just like Desmond. Julius sighed.

At least they solved the problem of where to live for now - in the wild. Julius was kind of used to the simple life, but admitted he didn't know how to make a campfire. Being the most knowledged of this life of the group, Julius took command. While they were out though, he couldn't help at several occasions that he was being watched. Looking around however, he saw nothing. He shrugged and returned back to camp.
Ted arrived, helped the group make a campfire, and then they fell asleep. Morning came fast. Julius woke up earlier than the others, and left without waking them. He went to school before classes had started to stroll the grounds, perhaps meeting others who had slept just as bad as he had.

Galaxial magic class blew him away. He had peered into the portal the other kids disappeared into, and it looked like the universe! The teacher had even said it was the void - the crossroads of all dimensions! Julius wasn't really smart enough to know what that really meant, but it sounded so incredibly incredible that he was left awestruck.

Now... To Desmond's funeral.

Monday: 1st class - Galaxial Magic | 2nd class - Weapon Class
Tuesday: 1st class - Raw Magic | 2nd class - Basic Magic
Wednesday: 1st class - Galaxial Magic | 2nd class - Raw Magic
Thursday: 1st class - Basic Magic | 2nd class - Weapon Class
Friday: 1st class - Physical Education | 2nd class - Trance Magic

"Fine I´ll come with you guys" he sighed "Not like I care anyway Desmond was a fool. but this might make James and Julius a little happier and change their thoughts and attitude towards me" Zecane thought to himself as he began to walk to the funeral.

18:21
Location: Outside Lauzurus, Entrance

Content, James led his other roommates to where the burial was taking place. The group walked around the school, ending up at the backside. There lies Lauzurus training fields, a big open spot with various practice stations. Targets for archery, training dummies, an obstacle course and what looks like a running trail. Something else also catches the group's interest. A bit further away in the middle of the field sits a half naked man, squatting while smoking a cigar. On his shoulder rests a bloodied wooden staff. What's even more unsettling is that around the man are at least ten students lying, groaning and crawling around in pain with practice weapons spread around them. The group pass the training field and ended up at the edge of the clearing. There sits a student who looked a bit older than the three boys. he got brown, messy hair and bright blue eyes. His outfit like many other wizards is quite exotic. He's wearing a brown and red poncho and harem pants of the same colour, both rather loose fitting. On the back of the poncho is a yellow stitching in shape of a crescent sun. In front of him lies Desmond's body, now mummified.

-"Are you here to pay your respects?" The boy asks with a very soothing and soft voice.
-"We are. Are you the one that'll bury Desmond?" James ask back.
-"Yes, I'm the temporary grave keeper, Erik. Once master Nellie comes home from the summer she'll take over again."
-"So where are all the graves?" Auron asks impatient, wanting this to be over as quick as possible.
-"Only a short trip into the shallow woods, follow me." Following Erik, who picked up the body, the group venture into the woods again. The slowly start to set as Erik look for the right spot. There are many different wooden signs placed all around this area, all with four numbers on them in different combinations. Eventually Erik found the sign he was looking for: 1-1-2-4. There he tore open the ground with his magic, revealing a pit full of other mummified bodies. The stench of death was strong enough to make the boys flinch and step back covering their noses.
-"Why are you keeping the bodies so orderly sorted? And why mass graves full of preserved bodies? Surely this many can't die every year right!?" James was clearly shocked at the whole ordeal.
-"for many reasons. One reason is to keep bodies intact in case their parents want to have them for a funeral of their own. But for most part it's to keep them around for other students to use them in their research."
-"Such unobtrusive sacrilege." Said James under his breath.
-"It's getting late. Pay your respects so we can head back.

The three boys honoured their short memories of Desmond for a few silent minutes before Erik closed the grave again. When they came back out of the woods the training fields were empty. "Take care you guys. I have one last matter to attend before I can head home. Sleep well." Erik left the group and walked around the opposite side of the school. When the boys reached their little camp in the woods the fire was already lit.
-"Guess Ted has already been here." Julius sat down on his improvised bed.
-"It is pretty late, the moon is almost up." James nodded at the crimson sky.
-"What a waste of time." Auron said to himself.
-"We're closing in on the weekend. We'll pull through this thing together. Stay strong." Julius said in an attempt to encourage the group. The group lay down on their rice beds trying to sleep, but something was moving in the shadows. High pitched yet low whispering and sniggering could be heard around the camp. Almost simultaneously the group sat up again looking around to see what the unsettling noises were coming from.
-"Look! Many child!" A short creature hopped out of the shadows, followed by another nine. They had disproportionate head and eyes compared to their small bodies, grey skin and wore tattered rags.
-"Goblins..." Said James as he gritted his teeth. The one in the front smirked as he looked at the slightly scared boys. He wore a silver cloth as mantle and were equipped with a real dagger. The other's behind him had only what looked like sticks and sharp rocks.
-"Kill mage!" He screamed as he lead the charge against the group with great courage.

!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!

The distance between the group and the pack of goblins were big enough for the boys to react on. Standing up the boys gathered in front of the fire place to prepare for the incoming attack.
-"We may be outnumbered, but they are just goblins." James said pumped up.
-"A chance to show off some new tricks maybe?" Julius smirked as he looked at the attackers.
-"The one in the front is probably the leader. Looks like this isn't his skirmish, that dagger must be a spoil." Auron glared at the Goblin's dagger. The area is pretty open with occasional trees, bushes and rocks. No one is at a clear advantage as the battle begins.

---

Auron

A) Strike
B) Cast spell
C) Coordinate
D) Channel
E) Prepare
F) Analyze
G) Retreat

Body: 95%
Mind: 100%
Mana: 0 charges



Julius

A) Strike
B) Cast spell
C) Coordinate
D) Channel
E) Prepare
F) Analyze
G) Retreat

Body: 100%
Mind: 100%
Mana: 0 charges

Julius was startled as the goblins came out of the thick brush. Had they been there the entire time? He looked at Auron and James, who had also - like Julius - stood up in alarm. Julius was, as it was, the closest to the ambushers. He reached down his pouch to grab hold of the tiny pouch of stardust he had managed to gather from Galaxial class, and held it tightly in his hand, ready to blind whoever lunged for him. He reached down and drew his shortsword, that had been laying beside his makeshift sleeping-bag by the camp. He glanced over his shoulder. Auron and James no doubt know better magic than I do, but I'm stronger. I'll buy them some time to channel their mana. he thought, not at all finding himself especially heroic. It was a life-or-death situation. Northwall was full of them.
He removed the dagger hanging on his belt still in it's protective leather strap and tossed it to Auron. "Here, catch! Use it to protect yourself! James, do you have a weapon?" he said swiftly to Auron, and then turned to James. Wether James had a weapon or not wouldn't matter, they would all three have to fight for their lives this night. "Channel your mana!" Julius says to them both. "I've got this!"
Without a second thought, he leaps at the closest goblin. Not straight into their center, but rather at their flank, so that he wouldn't be jumped by all of them at once. He had the advantage of reach and strength, so if he kept his distance and moved his feet, he could keep them at bay. Granted, he would be pushed back and the goblins have the advantage in numbers, but Julius trusted in his back-up. They were powerful in their own right, his comrades.
With his shortsword, he slices vertically at the goblin. From here on, it's do or die.

(Sort of mix between A (strike) and C (cordinate) I suppose.)

Auron stood still on the spot not knowing really what to do, looking at the goblins thinking on his next move and as he does that he sees Julius throw his dagger towards him. Auron catching it made him feel more secure about the whole situation. Now with a weapon in his hand he was ready to back up Julius and James. He puts the dagger on his belt ready to draw it if a goblin comes near. He does what Julius told him to do, Auron takes a deep breath and starts to channel some mana. "I don't think trying to summon a demon would be a that greatest idea but it might be the only way to win this or maybe there is a tree I can make fall over killing some goblins?" he thought looking at Julius and James ready to support his ally's.

mix of D (Channel) and E (prepare)

-"Here, catch!" Julius drew his short sword and passed his spare weapon to Auron. "Use it to protect yourself! James, do you have a weapon?"
-"I won't need one. Let's blast these scum into next week!" James braced himself, twisting his feet firmly into the dirt as he focused.
-"Channel your mana! I got this!" With those last words Julius charged forward toward his foes. The Nord sidestepped before gashing one of the goblins, revealing his black entrails.
-"I don't think trying to summon a demon would be a that greatest idea but it might be the only way to win this or maybe there is a tree I can make fall over killing some goblins?" Auron confer with James while channelling mana himself.
-"Summoning a demon!? Sure let's make a bad situation worse!"
-"There is no need to be a bitch about it James."
-"Focus you two! This is serious!" Julius shouted back at his mates. He takes a few step back from the now halting horde and readies himself for the incoming assault.

The Goblins quickly surround the front three boys, making movement for Julius a troublesome task. Their morale was clearly shaken by the quick dispatch of their friend, but the leader still kept a strong stance.
-"Worms, get childies in back!" He commanded his group. four of the nine remaining ran past Julius to attack Auron and James while Julius is stuck with four of them and the leader. Raising their sharp objects high one after another charge in.

---

Auron

2 Incoming attacks

A) Block
B) Evade
C) Counter
D) Cast Spell

Body: 95%
Mind: 100%
Mana: 7 charges



Julius

4 Incoming attacks

A) Block
B) Evade
C) Counter
D) Cast Spell

Body: 100%
Mind: 100%
Mana: 0 charges

Julius was both glad and nervous about the fact that four - almost half - of the goblins had left to pursue his comrades. At first he was glad to see them go, but then got worried that the others wouldn't be able to handle themselves, before realizing what James had said when asked if he has a weapon. He wouldn't need one. This heartened Julius, but only for a short moment as he realized he was dealing with four goblins and their leader, while his comrades were dealing with two each.

The goblins were clumsy and their moves reckless. Julius wasn't an expert in fighting, but seeing as the goblins came one at a time this might not be so hard after all, he thought to himself matter-of-factly, with not a shred of arrogance or vanity behind their meaning.

The first goblin he attempted to block. Should be easy enough since he just came bumrushing. Shoving him out of the way, Julius could adress the next attacker, which he would evade by spinning out of the goblin's reach. Both of these actions are taken while Julius slowly advance towards the attackers. The third attacker came running with his sharp stick in front, which Julius decided to attempt to parry. The fourth and final attacker was going for the same bum-rush kind of tactic, so Julius decided he would not only parry this attack as well - but attempt to counter it.

All the while hopping, stepping, twirling and swinging his sword, Julius kept a steady grip on his stardust. He was saving it for when the situation turned dire, if it would.